Karnataka Assembly: HK Patil Accuses Governor of Following Union Govt Instructions
Law Minister claims Raj Bhavan receives directives from Centre, demands governor’s apology for constitutional breach.
Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil sparked a heated debate in the Assembly on Friday, alleging that governors in non-BJP-ruled states, including Karnataka, receive direct instructions from the Union Government. “I can speak about the kind of instructions the Raj Bhavans are receiving from the Union Government. I am aware of how governors are being treated,” Patil asserted, pointing to a growing national debate on gubernatorial conduct in opposition-ruled states, particularly in South India.
The remarks came amid ongoing tensions over Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s handling of the recent Assembly session. Patil accused the governor of violating constitutional norms by rejecting the speech prepared by the state cabinet under Article 163. “The governor is the custodian of the Constitution, but not above it. He has insulted the House and the Constitution. He has violated the law. He cannot escape from all this,” Patil said, demanding a public apology from the governor. He further claimed the governor “ran away” from the House and that CM Siddaramaiah and he personally went to see him off when he left in his car.
Patil argued that the governor’s address is a democratic platform meant to reflect the state government’s agenda, not to serve central interests. “Legislators can convey messages to the Centre through the governor. We are not here to please the governor through the speech,” he added. Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad countered by questioning how many calls the Assembly Speaker’s office receives from the state government, briefly causing chaos in the House.
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BJP members defended the governor, noting that governors are appointed by the President and must align with central legislation like the recently passed VB-G RAM G Bill. Former law minister Suresh Kumar questioned how the governor could be expected to speak against a bill that received presidential assent. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained that constitutional propriety required the governor to remain until after the National Anthem.
The exchange highlights escalating friction between the Karnataka government and Raj Bhavan, with the ruling Congress accusing the governor of overreach while the opposition defends central alignment. The controversy underscores broader concerns about federal relations and the role of governors in opposition-ruled states.
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