Bengaluru, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has marked this special session as a black day by showing a lack of respect towards Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and undermining the Constitution, asserted the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Thursday.

On this day, Governor Gehlot chose not to deliver the customary address prepared by the state government for the joint session of the state legislature. Instead, he offered a brief statement and concluded abruptly, leading to dramatic scenes in the Assembly.

In comments to the press following the joint session, he emphasized that the Governor serves as a bridge between the state and central governments. Presenting a symbolic speech, Governor Gehlot made his exit.

“In the past, former Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj has done similarly. There is no issue with this. The Constitution allows for a symbolic speech to express gratitude. However, Congress legislators behaved like goons, physically pushing the Governor and attacking him,” he stated.

“It is truly shameful and condemnable that senior members of the House and Law Minister H.K. Patil have set a precedent for this negative tradition. H.K. Patil should not remain in his position for even a moment,” Ashoka remarked.

“The 27th clause on page 13 of the House rules book specifies the procedures to be followed during the Governor's speech, stating that no member should interrupt him. Any interruption should be treated as a serious violation.

“Hence, Speaker U.T. Khader must impose penalties on the errant members and expel them from the House. The Governor has upheld his dignity and has never disrespected the House. Previously, he has signed all Bills. The Congress government is attempting to turn Raj Bhavan into a party office,” he alleged.

Additionally, R. Ashoka has formally requested Speaker U.T. Khader to take disciplinary action against the members of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council who disrespected the Governor during his departure from the House.

“The ruling Congress party legislators acted like street rowdies, showing disrespect to the Constitution, the Governor, and the Assembly. By violating the traditions and rules of the House and disrupting the Governor's speech, they have insulted the House,” he stated in a post on X.

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized Governor Gehlot for not delivering the Cabinet-prepared speech during the joint session of the Karnataka Legislature, claiming that the Governor had violated the Constitution and insulted the legislators. He indicated that discussions would be held regarding approaching the Supreme Court on this matter.

Addressing reporters at Vidhana Soudha after the Governor’s exit on Thursday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked, “It is a constitutional duty for the Governor to address the joint session at the start of the year and when a new government is formed. Articles 176 and 163 of the Indian Constitution clearly stipulate that the Governor must read a speech prepared by the Cabinet, not one authored by himself.”