Why did K’taka Guv refuse to address the joint session over VB-G RAM G?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka Governor's refusal has sparked political tensions.
- The state government is confronting the Centre over employment policies.
- The issue raises constitutional concerns.
- A delegation will meet the Governor to discuss the matter.
- The session will still proceed, focusing on the VB RAM G Act.
Bengaluru, Jan 21 (NationPress) Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on Wednesday declined to deliver the traditional address to the joint session of the legislature set to commence on January 22.
The state administration, gearing up to confront the Centre regarding the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), finds itself in a difficult position following the Governor's choice.
In response to this situation, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil remarked that the Governor had raised concerns about particular elements of the speech drafted by the state government.
“We will engage in discussions with the Governor regarding the provisions and emphasize the importance of including details concerning the social and economic conditions in the state. Our team will meet with him to clarify the situation,” he stated.
Patil also noted that the state government's perspective on MGNREGA had been incorporated into the Governor's address.
“He will certainly participate in the session, which will proceed as planned,” he asserted.
The delegation will comprise Advocate General A.J. Shashi Kiran Shetty and Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who is also the Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that Governor Thawarchand Gehlot has officially declined to deliver the address and has communicated his decision to the Chief Secretary.
This development has led to a constitutional dilemma for the state government, as traditionally, the Governor addresses the joint assembly at the start of the New Year.
Further reports indicate that the Governor has raised objections to two specific points in the speech created by the state government.
He expressed that the special session has been called to oppose the VB RAM G Act enacted by the Centre. He has also suggested that the state government is pressuring the Governor to criticize the Centre over the abolition of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and to make statements against the Central government.
The Governor has reportedly taken strong exception to what he perceives as the state government utilizing the Governor's address to advance political aims against the Centre.
He has also noted that the entire joint session seems to be aimed against the Central government. He has instructed the Chief Secretary to draft a speech that would not put the Centre in an uncomfortable position, according to sources.
The state government has allocated two days for discussions on the VB RAM G Act and the cancellation of the MGNREGA. It has also resolved to pass a resolution condemning the Central government during this session.