Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. File photo: Special Arrangement
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is likely to skip certain portions of the text of his customary address to the joint session of the State legislature that begins on Thursday (January 22, 2026).
The Governor has expressed reservations over 11 paragraphs in the speech prepared by the Congress government in Karnataka. The paragraphs in question strongly criticise the Central government for introducing the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G) Act, which has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The objections also relate to references in the speech to “injustice” to the State of Karnataka in the devolution of funds, taxes, and grants.
After a meeting with the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah late in the night over the development, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil told The Hindu that “a few words” in the speech had been modified following reservations expressed by the Governor, but there was no question of entirely dropping paragraphs, which had been cleared by the Cabinet.
After Kerala, TN
On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi had declined to read out the customary address prepared by the government and walked out of the Assembly. Meanwhile, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar addressed the Assembly after making changes to the speech drafted by the State government.
The Karnataka government has convened a special legislative session from January 22 to 31 to discuss the repeal of the MGNREGA, and its replacement with the VB-G RAM G Act. At the conclusion of the session, the State government plans to pass a resolution opposing the new job scheme, and demanding the restoration of the MGNREGA. The State Cabinet had already adopted a similar resolution a few days ago.
Karnataka’s move coincides with the Congress’s nationwide ‘Save MGNREGA’ campaign.
Objections raised
Earlier in the day, the Governor communicated his “objections” to the Chief Secretary regarding the 11 “disputed” paragraphs. Following this, a delegation led by the State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil met Mr. Gehlot at Lok Bhavan in the evening to remind him of his Constitutional responsibility under Article 176 to address the State Legislature.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Patil said it was mandatory for the Governor to address the first session of the legislature each year. “The Governor expressed his views on certain paragraphs, and we expressed ours. We have appealed to him to deliver the speech prepared by the government,” he said.
Next course of action
The next course of action would be decided after discussions with the Chief Minister, Mr. Patil said. The government would not make changes in the text since it would go against the State’s interest, he said.
On the Governor’s objections, he said the government was ready to provide any additional information required. “There are more than 100 paragraphs highlighting our development work and new initiatives,” he noted.
When asked about the State government’s response if the Governor refused to address the legislature, Mr. Patil said, “We will cross that bridge when we come to it.”
In August 2024, the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government had strongly criticised Mr. Gehlot’s decision to sanction the prosecution of the Chief Minister in connection with the alleged irregular allotment of 14 sites (now surrendered) by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority to his wife. The State Cabinet had termed the Governor’s action “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Published – January 21, 2026 11:01 pm IST
