Key Takeaways

• A governor who is supposed to be the guardian of the Constitution has now failed to do his duty.
• This is in violation of the Constitution of India.
• Today, instead of reading the speech prepared by the Cabinet, the Governor read the one he himself prepared.

Key Development 1

NewsCity Newsbengaluru NewsGovernor’s walkout sparks Karnataka showdown: Thawar Gehlot exits joint sitting mid-address; Congress cries breach, BJP countersTrendingDelhi traffic alertGurgaon murderKarnataka scamMaharashtra Civic PollsDelhi AQIToday weatherDelhi traffic alertGurgaon murderKarnataka scamMaharashtra Civic PollsDelhi AQIToday weatherDelhi traffic alertGurgaon murderKarnataka scamMaharashtra Civic PollsDelhi AQIToday weatherGovernor’s walkout sparks Karnataka showdown: Thawar Gehlot exits joint sitting mid-address; Congress cries breach, BJP countersTOI City Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jan 22, 2026, 12:08 ISTCommentsShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLarge BENGALURU: Pandemonium broke out in the Karnataka legislature on Thrusday after Governor Thawarchand Gehlot abruptly walked out of the joint sitting of the Assembly and Council, delivering only two lines of his customary address and refusing to read the full cabinet-approved speech."My government is committed to doubling the economic, social and physical development of the state.

Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka," Governor read in Hindi in his brief address.The walkout followed a standoff between Raj Bhavan and the Congress-led state government over 11 paragraphs in the address that were critical of the Centre, particularly references to changes in the rural employment guarantee framework and alleged shortfalls in tax devolution and fund allocations to Karnataka.Congress members expressed strong displeasure over the Governor curtailing his speech, and raised "Shame Shame" slogans on the floor of the HouseAs the Governor exited the House, Congress leader BK Hariprasad was seen attempting to stop him, even as opposition and treasury benches traded sharp accusations, plunging the joint session into chaos.Reacting to the incident, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said,"Every new year the Governor has now to address the joint session of Assembly, had the speech prepared by the Cabinet.

A governor who is supposed to be the guardian of the Constitution has now failed to do his duty.

If he does, he is certainly acting against constitutional provisions,” Acharya said.A brewing Raj Bhavan–Vidhana Soudha clashThe confrontation had been building for days.

Key Development 2

This is in violation of the Constitution of India.

Today, instead of reading the speech prepared by the Cabinet, the Governor read the one he himself prepared.

“Who is violating Articles 176 and 163?

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Key Development 3

Has the Governor’s office become a BJP office?” Kharge asked.He also took aim at BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R Ashok, saying the party was selectively invoking constitutional provisions without understanding their spirit.The BJP, in turn, accused the Congress government of politicising the Governor’s address and using the House to mount an attack on the Centre.Speaker strikes conciliatory noteKarnataka legislative assembly Speaker UT Khadar sought to play down the confrontation, asserting that there was no institutional breakdown.“Constitutional bodies is expected to support each other.

He cannot refuse to do so.

There is no conflict between the Governor and the government,” he said, appealing for calm amid the uproar.Experts flag constitutional breachHowever, constitutional experts warned that the Governor’s action could invite legal scrutiny.

There is not a single lie, yet he does not want to read it.

Key Development 4

This is a constitutional requirement.

PD Thankappan Acharya, former Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, stated the Constitution leaves little room for discretion on this issue.“Under Article 176(1), the Governor is required to address the House.

Our mission is to curate, report, and deliver city news that matters to readers of The Times of India.

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Key Development 5

The Governor’s office is a constitutional body.

He is liable to address the joint session of the Assembly.

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These included references to the proposed replacement of MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission–Gramin Act, as well as grievances over GST losses, reduced tax devolution and delayed irrigation funding.Chief minister Siddaramaiah deputed a ministerial delegation led by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil to persuade the Governor to go ahead with the address.

Key Development 6

The state government had sent the draft address to Raj Bhavan on Monday, but it was returned with instructions to delete 11 “contentious” paragraphs critical of the Union government.

We are examining whether or not to approach the Supreme Court."Karnataka law minister HK Patil said," Today is a black day in the history of democracy.

He has now insulted the Constitution.

Everything stated in the Governor’s speech is factual.

Key Development 7

Our team works tirelessly to keep readers informed about the latest developments, ensuring that they are connected to the heartbeat of cities across India, right when it happens.

Therefore, we are going to protest against the attitude of the Governor.

It violates Articles 176 and 163 of the Indian Constitution.

Legal experts note that while a Governor may express reservations, the Constitution mandates that the address to the joint sitting must be delivered, even if the government subsequently tables the full text in the House.With the Governor’s walkout now on record, the political temperature in Karnataka has now risen sharply, setting the stage for a possible legal and constitutional showdown between Raj Bhavan and the elected government.You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rate Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rate Today in BengaluruAbout the AuthorTOI City DeskThe TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicated to bringing you the pulse of cities from across the nation, all day and all night.

Key Development 8

While the government agreed to modify seven of the disputed paragraphs to address “technical issues”, it refused to drop the paragraph on MGNREGA, calling it vital to safeguarding Karnataka’s interests.Late on Wednesday night, Siddaramaiah convened a meeting of senior officials and legal experts to explore possible legal options, including whether the Governor’s refusal amounted to neglect of constitutional duty.Precedents add fuel to the debateThe Karnataka episode follows similar confrontations in other Opposition-ruled states.

In recent days, governors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala either skipped portions of the address or walked out entirely, prompting debates on the limits of gubernatorial discretion.

He has now not discharged his duties as per the Constitution.

We is expected to take an appropriate decision."Reacting strongly, IT and BT minister Priyank Kharge accused the Governor of acting at the behest of the BJP.

Key Development 9

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