IN PICS: Karnataka Governor winds up address with three lines, CM accuses him of violating Constitution

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday confined his customary address to the state legislature to just three lines: the first and the last sentences of the government prepared elaborate speech, prompting a strong response from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who accused the former of delivering his own remarks and also dubbed him a "puppet" of the Centre. PICS/PTI

Updated On: 2026-01-22 07:40 PM IST

Compiled by : Tarun Verma

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot arrives at Vidhana Soudha for the joint session of the state legislature on Thursday. PIC/PTI

Gehlot was received at Vidhana Soudha by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil 

The governor began the speech by greeting the CM, Assembly Speaker U T Khader, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Leaders of Opposition, ministers and members. "I extend a warm welcome to all of you to the joint session of the State legislature. I am extremely pleased to address one more joint session of the Karnataka legislature. My government is firmly committed to doubling the pace of the state's economic, social and physical development. Jai Hind. Jai Karnataka," he said in Hindi, before proceeding out

The Treasury Benches, including ministers such as HK Patil (Law and Parliamentary Affairs) stood up in surprise and requested Gehlot to complete the speech

As the governor proceeded towards the exit door, some ruling legislators including MLC BK Hariprasad tried to gherao him by shouting slogans. They were removed by the security staff

Gehlot's action drew a sharp response from CM Siddaramaiah, who charged him with failing to deliver his constitutional responsibilities and duties

Thursday's episode follows similar ones in neighbouring Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the past two days.

Next Gallery

IN PHOTOS: PM Modi addresses students on exam stress at `Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026`

Related Photos