‘Governor Constitutionally Bound To Read Govt’s Speech’: K'taka CM After Gehlot Writes To President

Last Updated:January 25, 2026, 16:34 IST

Siddaramaiah's response came after Governor Gehlot submitted a detailed report to President Murmu over the developments related to the joint session held on January 22.

Siddaramaiah accused Governor of acting at the behest of the Centre and said that he was acting as a “puppet".

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday responded to Governor Thawarchand Gehlot writing to President Droupadi Murmu over the recent controversy surrounding the joint session of the state legislature, asserting that the Constitution clearly lays down the Governor’s role in such sessions.

While addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said that as per Articles 176 and 163 of the Constitution, the Governor is mandated to address the joint session and read out the speech prepared by the state government.

“The Constitution clearly states in Articles 176 and 163 that the Governor must address the joint session. They must read the speech provided by the government. There is a possibility that they might alter what we have written and provided," he said.

Gehlot Submits Report To President

His response came after Governor Gehlot submitted a detailed report to President Murmu over the developments related to the joint session held on January 22, which witnessed a major confrontation between the Raj Bhavan and the Congress-led state government.

According to sources as cited by news agency PTI, the report detailed the events of January 22 as well as the previous day, when a government delegation led by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil met him following his refusal to deliver the customary address. The Governor is said to have consulted legal experts before sending the report.

As per sources, Gehlot informed the President that he had advised the state government to modify the draft speech by removing certain paragraphs critical of the Centre, particularly references to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act and its impact. He also detailed the steps taken by him to address the joint session in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The report reportedly also mentioned the conduct of Congress legislators, who shouted slogans and attempted to gherao the Governor as he exited the Assembly hall.

What Happened In Karnataka Assembly?

High drama unfolded in the Karnataka Assembly on January 22 when Gehlot refused to read out the full state-prepared address and confined his speech to just three lines, triggering sharp protests from the treasury benches.

The Governor objected to certain portions of the speech that accused the Centre of “repealing" the UPA-era MGNREGA and criticised central policies, including issues related to fund devolution.

The speech characterised the repeal as a significant blow to the rural economy, arguing that the move has weakened rural life and deprived wage labourers, small farmers, and women of their statutory rights to employment and unemployment allowance. The state government emphasised that MGNREGA had been a monumental chapter in India’s development journey and a symbol of progress that has now been consigned to oblivion by the Centre.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah accused him of acting at the behest of the Centre and said that he was acting as a “puppet". He alleged that Gehlot had violated the Constitution by refusing to read the full address prepared by the state cabinet and instead speaking on his own.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics ‘Governor Constitutionally Bound To Read Govt’s Speech’: K'taka CM After Gehlot Writes To President

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