All eyes on Governor’s address

Amid the clash between the Lok Bhavan and Congress-led State government over the Governor’s address to the joint legislature last week, all eyes are on Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is scheduled to deliver the Republic Day address at Manekshaw Parade Ground on January 26.

Lok Bhavan sources said that Mr. Gehlot will be participating in the Republic Day function and will receive the Guard of Honour. He will also deliver the speech. Sources said that the Lok Bhavan had received the speech to be delivered from the Government. Traditionally, the Governor will — in his speech — speak on the Government’s achievements and on the constitution.

On January 22, the Government clashed with the Governor, who walked out without delivering the speech provided by the Government over nearly a dozen contents that were critical of the BJP-led Union Government.

Speaking in Mysuru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Governor was free to make changes to the speech provided by the State government while delivering the Republic Day address.

He said the Governor is bound by the Constitution to deliver the speech given to him by the government while addressing the joint session of the State Legislature. He, however, has the liberty to make changes to the speech to be delivered at the Republic Day celebrations.