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
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.