Political or partial treatment of State Governments by Governors is unwarranted: Former Speaker Yanamala

Former Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said in a press release that ‘political’ or ‘partial treatment’ of the State Governments, which are not attached/aligned to the Centre, by the Governors is unwarranted. 

“It is a known fact that the Governors are appointed by the Government of India (GoI). So, he/she will be tuned to the wishes and pleasure of the Centre. Some of them work under the guidance of the Centre against the interests of the elected governments. It had been the practice for several decades,” he observed. 

“The Constitution does not allow this undemocratic practice, which varies from one State to another,” Mr. Ramakrishnudu said, asserting that a Governor’s special address to the State Legislature was a must in the Budget year. 

He further stated that a Governor’s special address would always be drafted by the State Government and it (the government) was empowered to give aid and advice to the Governor. The Governor acts accordingly except in areas where he/she can act independently. 

“It is not the duty of the Governor to frame a policy and implement it. Aid and advice has to be followed by the Governor as per the system established. The State Government need not accept any changes in it that may be made by the Governor if such changes are contrary to its proposals,” Mr. Ramakrishnudu commented. 

In some States, Governors skip the pages while reading out the final copy of the statement provided by the State, upon considering them as contrary to the interests of the Central Government as they were appointed by the Centre. “In spite of that, the entire address including the skipped pages would be deemed to be read and taken on record. As a consequence, differences were widening,” he added.