Bengaluru, Jan 22 (NationPress) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed strong disapproval of Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's failure to present the Cabinet-prepared speech during the Karnataka Legislature's joint session. He claimed that this act constituted a violation of the Constitution and an affront to the legislators. Discussions regarding a potential approach to the Supreme Court are also being considered.

In a media briefing at Vidhana Soudha following the Governor's departure on Thursday, the Chief Minister stated, “It is the constitutional duty of the Governor to address the joint session at the start of the year and when a new government takes office. Articles 176 and 163 of the Indian Constitution explicitly mandate that the Governor must deliver the speech prepared by the Cabinet.”

By opting not to read the Cabinet's speech and instead delivering a brief address of his own, the Governor has acted in contravention of the Constitution, Siddaramaiah asserted. “This is a clear violation of constitutional norms,” he emphasized.

“The Constitution is unequivocal under Articles 176 and 163 that the Governor must convey the speech drafted by the Cabinet. This represents a blatant breach of the Constitution and an insult to the assembly, which represents the people's will. This has long been a constitutional practice, now disregarded,” he pointed out.

“Our government, party, MLAs, and MLCs will mobilize protests statewide. The Governor appears to be acting under the influence of the Central government. To obscure its shortcomings, the Centre has compelled the Governor to deliver an alternate speech. This is unconstitutional. The Governor has failed in his responsibilities,” the Chief Minister remarked.

He mentioned that the Cabinet-prepared speech had been distributed to all MLAs and MLCs, and he would provide further updates to the media regarding the situation.

“We will determine whether to approach the Supreme Court and keep the media informed. I will also consult with ministers about introducing a condemnation resolution in the assembly regarding the Governor's actions,” he stated.

The Chief Minister explained that the joint session was convened as it marked the first session of the year, accompanied by a special session. This special session was called in light of the repeal of the MGNREGA and the introduction of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act.

“Our government firmly opposes this. First, Mahatma Gandhi's name has been removed from the scheme. Second, in 2005, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh established legislations guaranteeing rights to work, food, education, and information based on the Directive Principles of State Policy. The Right to Work was aimed at ensuring 100 days of employment for impoverished rural workers,” he added.

He highlighted that beneficiaries included Dalits, laborers, women, and small farmers, with women comprising 53% and Dalits 23%. “They no longer possess a guaranteed right to work. Previously, they could work on their own farmlands, but this has been rescinded. Now, the Centre will dictate where work will occur,” he explained.

Earlier, he noted, it was the government's responsibility to provide employment for up to 365 days, with panchayats and gram sabhas creating action plans. “These provisions are absent in the new VB-GRAM G Act. The BJP defends it because they lack autonomy and are forced to comply with the Centre’s directives. That is their approach,” he asserted.

“Therefore, we opposed it and included this issue in the Governor's address. Our goal is to advocate for the reinstatement of MGNREGA and the repeal of the new Act. The party and the government have resolved to persist in our agitation until the Act is withdrawn, akin to the farmers’ protests that compelled the Centre to rescind the farm laws. Our struggle will continue,” CM Siddaramaiah declared.

It is noteworthy that Governor Gehlot on Thursday refused to deliver the customary address prepared by the Karnataka government for the joint session of the state legislature. He reduced his address to a few lines, abruptly concluded, and exited, prompting dramatic scenes in the Assembly.

BJP legislators responded by applauding the Governor and chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Congress MLAs and MLCs attempted to prevent the Governor from leaving, urging him to read the government-prepared speech.

This development has sparked a significant controversy and intensified the ongoing conflict between the Governor and the Karnataka government.

Earlier, Governor Gehlot requested the state government to eliminate 11 paragraphs from the speech prepared by the state Cabinet.