Karnataka: Governor Rejects Spreading Cabinet Prepared Speech, Draws Flak From Ruling Congress
Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil termed the step adopted by Governor Thhawrchand Gehlot a “black day” in the history of the democracy
BENGALURU: What should have been a lengthy address by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the start of the joint session of legislature on Thursday, however, came to an end in about 38-seconds. Significantly, the Governor read out his own speech at the joint session.
In his address to the Governor, he said “I welcome you all to the joint session of legislature.” Continuing, the Governor expressed happiness over yet another opportunity to address the joint session of legislature. Governor said his government is committed to double the social-economic status of the people and ended his address.
Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil termed the step adopted by Governor Thhawrchand Gehlot a “black day” in the history of the democracy. The Governor, the guardian of the Constitution, violated and insulted the Constitution (refusing to read government prepared speech). Patil charged the Governor of failing to discharge his duties as a Governor.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said “We are examining the options to move the Supreme Court” and stated “We are going to stage a protest against the attitude of the Governor.” Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad pointed to article 176 (1) of the Constitution which mandates the Governor to address joint session as per the speech prepared by the government/cabinet.
Over criticism against the Governor by Congress MLAs/MLCs, State Bharatiya Janata Party president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra demanded an apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over “insult” to the Governor and undermining the Constitutional values.
It may be recalled that the Governor on Wednesday objected to the government/cabinet prepared speech/address citing that the speech of the State Government was “unacceptable” to him and dashed off a letter to Chief Secretary over his decision not to address the joint session of legislature as per the speech prepared by the government/cabinet.
The Governor is said to taken note of the objections raised by State Government especially over the repeal of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Act) which has been replaced by Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (VB GRAM G) and fears expressed threat to decentralization of power by Bharatiya Janata Party led Union Government.
After the Governor ended his speech, he left the Session wherein ruling party members-MLC Ravi and others tried to block the way of the Governor over his refusal to address the joint session as per the speech prepared by the government/cabinet. Later, MLC Hariprasad tried to interspect Governor from going out but Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot surrounded by marshals made his way out.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah followed the Governor when he left the session. Some Congress MLA Sharath Bachegowda, Pradeep Eshwar among others raised slogans against the Governor.