Karnataka Crisis/sbkinews.in
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot stunned the state legislature on January 22, 2026, by delivering only two lines of his customary address before abruptly concluding, sparking a fierce political showdown. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah branded the move a blatant violation of constitutional norms, accusing Gehlot of acting as a central government puppet. Congress MLAs erupted in protest with “Shame” slogans as the governor exited.
Governor’s Brief Address Unfolds
Arriving at the Vidhana Soudha for the joint session marking the new legislative year, Governor Gehlot greeted members warmly: “I welcome you to the joint session of the Karnataka Assembly. I am proud to be addressing the Karnataka Assembly one more time.” He then read in Hindi, “My government is committed to doubling the economic, social and physical development of the state. Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka,” before sitting down—skipping the entire 20-page government-prepared speech.
This followed high drama: Gehlot had refused the address outright on January 21, objecting to 11 paragraphs criticizing the Centre’s policies on MGNREGA repeal, fund devolution, and the “VB-G RAM G scheme.” Despite late-night negotiations, he delivered a token version, leaving the full policy outline unread—a constitutional duty under Article 176.
#Karnataka legislature constitutional violation
CM Siddaramaiah’s Fiery Response
Moments later, Siddaramaiah thundered that Gehlot “failed to discharge his constitutional duties” by ignoring the cabinet-approved speech. “The governor must read what the elected government prepares. He violated the Constitution and acted like a puppet of the BJP-led Centre,” the CM charged, hinting at Supreme Court action. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar echoed, calling it an “insult to Karnataka’s people.”
Siddaramaiah defended the speech’s content: “Not a single line is false. We’ve apprised PM Modi directly.” The controversy ties into ongoing Raj Bhavan-Karnataka government friction, including delays on 11 bills and prior speech disputes in 2024. As a six-year SEO content writer for SBKI News covering UP-Delhi political beats, such Centre-state clashes drive massive regional search traffic on federalism queries.
Contentious Speech Paragraphs Revealed
The flashpoint: Paragraph 11 lambasts the Centre for “repealing” UPA-era MGNREGA without alternatives, shortchanging Karnataka’s rural jobs. Other sections hit low GST devolution (₹2.2 lakh crore owed), drought relief delays, and central schemes sidelining states. Gehlot demanded full deletions, not edits, forcing the stalemate.
Minister Priyank Kharge lashed out: “The governor questions facts briefed to the PM himself. This isn’t independence—it’s bias.” Congress plans to table the full speech in the House, letting MLAs debate it directly, bypassing the governor’s role.
Historical Context of Tensions
Gehlot’s defiance mirrors 2024 incidents where he withheld assent to bills on job quotas and vice-chancellor appointments, prompting Supreme Court rebukes. Karnataka Congress alleges a pattern: Tamil Nadu and Kerala saw similar governor clashes. Article 175 mandates session summons, but Article 176 allows content objections—yet full refusal remains unprecedented.
Legal experts note past rulings (Nabam Rebia 2016) affirm governors as state aides, not Centre proxies. Siddaramaiah’s team eyes a PIL, citing erosion of federalism amid BJP’s national dominance post-2024 Lok Sabha sweeps.
Political Fallout and Reactions
BJP MLA BY Vijayendra hailed Gehlot’s stand: “He protected dignity by rejecting anti-Centre propaganda.” Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy warned against “drama,” defending fiscal federalism. JD(S) distanced itself, focusing on upcoming budget session priorities like irrigation (₹15,000 crore allocation).
Public sentiment splits: Congress supporters trend #GovernorPuppet on X (50K posts), while BJP counters with #KarnatakaFailedState. Regional media in UP-Delhi amplify the row, linking it to national debates on governors’ roles in opposition-ruled states.THE HINDU
Legislative Session Impact
The joint session proceeded chaotically: Speaker UT Khader adjourned amid slogan-shouting. Key agenda items—₹3.7 lakh crore budget highlights, Gruha Jyothi scheme extension (1.25 crore households), and Shakti free bus scheme success (40 crore women rides)—hung in limbo without the governor’s formal outline.
Deputy CM Shivakumar vowed: “We’ll pass the speech’s essence via resolutions. Karnataka won’t bow.” With monsoon session looming, this escalates into a full constitutional crisis.
Broader Federalism Debate
This episode underscores governors’ evolving role post-2024: Tamil Nadu’s RN Ravi faced similar flak for bill delays. Legal scholar Rajeev Dhavan argues, “Governors aren’t viceroys; they’re ceremonial under Article 163.” Congress high command eyes intervention, with Mallikarjun Kharge briefed.
For SBKI News audiences in Chandausi and North India, where Centre-state fund tussles echo local issues, this fuels discourse on fiscal equity. Karnataka’s ₹4.1 lakh crore revenue deficit claim gains traction amid India’s federal overhaul.
#Karnataka legislature constitutional violation
Road Ahead for Karnataka Politics
Siddaramaiah government eyes floor test or privilege motion against Gehlot. BJP plots no-confidence if disruptions persist. As SEO expert tracking political spikes, searches for “Karnataka Governor speech controversy” surged 300% today—prime for evergreen content.
Stay tuned to SBKI News for live updates from Bengaluru, your pulse on India’s power corridors.
