Bengaluru, Jan 21 (NationPress) The ambiguity surrounding the Governor’s traditional address to the Karnataka Legislature's joint session continues, as Governor Thawarchand Gehlot has requested the state government to eliminate 11 specific paragraphs from the speech drafted by the state Cabinet.

A delegation that conferred with the Governor indicated that this issue would be addressed with the Chief Minister, and their decision will be communicated subsequently.

The joint session is set for January 22. The delegation, led by Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil, along with Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and MLA A.S. Ponnanna, met the Governor on Wednesday night at Raj Bhavan. This meeting followed the Governor's objections to certain paragraphs that critiqued the Centre regarding the enactment of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) and other matters.

After the meeting, Minister Patil addressed the media outside Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru, stating that it is reasonable for the state government to voice the injustices faced by the state in the address.

“The speech also calls on the Centre to restore MGNREGA. The Governor has some reservations. We assured him that we are open to providing clarifications and modifying certain elements. However, he is urging the removal of 11 paragraphs. We will discuss the issue with the Chief Minister and inform the Governor of our decision,” he added.

Nonetheless, Minister Patil expressed optimism that the Governor would deliver the joint session address.

“According to Article 176(1) of the Constitution and other provisions such as 163, the Cabinet is responsible for drafting the Governor’s speech, and the Governor is to present the House with the speech prepared by the government,” he asserted.

Patil further explained that based on Articles 176 and 163, the speech is composed by the Cabinet for the joint session.

“This is a constitutional tradition and directive. The Constitution is paramount. There exists a unified Constitution for the President of India and the Governors, under which the state government operates,” he stated.

He highlighted that the speech outlines the economic damages the state has experienced.

“We have encountered significant challenges in the devolution of funds. There have been setbacks regarding GST share transfers. The Centre committed Rs 5,000 crore for the Bhadra project, which has not materialized. The situation has escalated to the point where we are compelled to approach the Supreme Court to secure our rightful funds,” he explained.

The minister noted that this reflects the current circumstances. Additionally, the injustice inflicted upon the state by the 15th Finance Commission has been emphasized.

“With the 16th Finance Commission scheduled to visit, we need to at least subtly reference the inequities perpetrated by the 15th Finance Commission,” Patil mentioned.

“We have inherently included those 10 to 12 paragraphs in the Governor’s speech and submitted it to him. We have asked the Governor to concur with this. While the Governor has concerns regarding some paragraphs, we are willing to discuss necessary modifications. However, demanding the complete removal of paragraphs contradicts the decisions of the elected government,” he stated.

He reiterated that the Governor has expressed his stance on eliminating certain paragraphs.

“Our position is that omitting those paragraphs is inappropriate. Should we not voice our concerns regarding the curtailment of rights of farmers and laborers due to the implementation of the VB RAM G Act and the repeal of MGNREGA?” Patil inquired.

The minister pointed out that under MGNREGA, panchayats decided on projects to be undertaken, asserting that if the powers of panchayats are usurped and transferred to Delhi, how can this not be mentioned in the Governor’s address to the joint session?

“We are adhering to the path of decentralization as envisaged under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, and this is being disrupted by the VB RAM G Act,” he concluded.

Earlier, Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot declined to deliver the customary address to the joint session of the legislature.

The state government, ready to confront the Centre regarding the enactment of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), finds itself in a challenging position following the Governor’s decision.