Amid uncertainty over the Governor’s address to the joint session of the Karnataka Legislature, the Siddaramaiah government emphasized that Governor Thawarchand Gehlot must read the government-prepared speech as mandated by Article 176 of the Indian Constitution. State Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil stated that any refusal by the Governor to deliver the speech would be a violation of the Constitution.
Patil highlighted that the Governor’s responsibility is to address the joint session and present the government’s speech without alterations. He emphasized that the Constitution obligates the Governor to fulfill this duty, emphasizing that there is no separate set of rules for different officials. The government expressed confidence that the Governor would adhere to the constitutional requirement.
In response to concerns of politicizing the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) enactment, Patil reiterated the importance of the Governor’s role in delivering the joint session address. He clarified that the government’s stance aligns with constitutional provisions, and any deviation by the Governor would constitute a breach of the Constitution.
The ongoing disagreement between the Congress-led government and the Governor may escalate, with the government’s decision not to remove 11 paragraphs from the speech. Sources indicated that the state government might seek legal intervention from the Supreme Court to ensure the Governor reads the speech as provided. The state government had previously been requested to omit certain paragraphs from the address, leading to discussions between the delegation and the Governor.
