Governor Refuses To Deliver His Customary Address But Government Exudes Confidence Of Speech

The Congress government convened a 10-day session manly to discuss and pass a resolution against the repeal of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by the Bharatiya Janata Party led Union Government and replacing MGNREGA with Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (VB GRAM G).

Earlier in the day, the Governor in a letter to the Chief Secretary highlighted certain objections in the speech/address sent to his office and the Governor in the letter made it clear “the speech/address sent to him by the State Government is unacceptable.”

The Governor is said to have objected to strong criticism of the Union Government accusing it of snatching away the right to work of labourers and fears expressed over threat to decentralization of power.

On learning of the refusal from the Governor to address the joint session of legislature, Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil, Legal advisor to Chief Minister and MLA Ponnanna rushed to meet the Governor at Lok Bhavan.

After meeting the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru, H.K. Patil stated “He will address. The government and the cabinet prepared his speech and sent it to him. He is expected to address the joint session.” The Joint session of Karnataka legislature is convened by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

Continuing, he said, The Constitution of India in its Article 176 (1) has very specifically mandates the speech/address of the Governor is to be addressed by the Governor. The Governor’s speech is nothing but a declaration of the government's policies/programmes and views. That’s why the cabinet prepares and sends it to him.”

Patil stated “the Constitution very specifically has given clarity that the speech is “mandatory” as it is prepared by cabinet. Of course, there are rulings and discussions in Lok Sabha that should not be included in the Governor’s address. Suppose allegations/accusations against the Governor or against his office such things should not be included.”

Adding, the Minister said, “It is the prerogative of the government to send the address and he is mandated by the Constitution to address the joint session with the speech prepared by the cabinet.

However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and Leader of Opposition R. Ashok said “Nowhere do the Constitution mandate a Governor must mechanically read every word drafted by the government. Neither the Constitution nor the rules of the Legislative Assembly or Council impose such an obligation.”

Meanwhile, a meeting was on at the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence over the Governor's refusal to address the joint session of State legislature.