Karnataka is facing a potential constitutional crisis as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has declined to address the joint session of the state legislature scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026. This unprecedented move has created uncertainty and triggered hectic parleys to avoid a disruption of legislative proceedings.
The Governor's decision stems from objections to certain portions of the address prepared by the Congress-led state government. Sources suggest that the Governor is displeased with the planned address including critical references to the central government, specifically regarding the Viksit Bharat- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Congress government is planning to pass a resolution against the central government for repealing MGNREGA and demand its restoration.
In response to the Governor's refusal, a high-level delegation led by Karnataka's Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil is scheduled to meet with the Governor to discuss the matter and persuade him to reconsider his decision. Patil stated that the delegation will explain the legal position and the Governor's duty to address the first session of the year. He has also asserted that the session will proceed as planned.
The opposition BJP has accused the Congress government of exploiting the Governor's address for political purposes and undermining constitutional institutions. R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, criticized the government for using the Governor as a spokesperson for their political narratives. B.Y. Vijayendra, from BJP, alleged the Congress government is making baseless allegations against the Centre to divert attention from its failures.
This situation unfolds amidst similar controversies in neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where the Governors have also faced criticism over their addresses to the state assemblies. The Tamil Nadu Governor, R.N. Ravi, walked out of the assembly without delivering his address, citing "inaccuracies" in the text. Similarly, the Kerala Governor, Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, allegedly omitted portions of his speech.
The Governor's address to the joint session is a customary practice that marks the formal beginning of the legislative session and outlines the state government's priorities. Article 176(1) of the Indian Constitution mandates the Governor's address. A disruption or delay in the address could potentially impact the functioning of the legislative proceedings and the passage of important bills.
Political analysts suggest that this refusal reflects ongoing tensions between the state government and the central government, particularly regarding employment and welfare schemes. The situation is being viewed as part of a broader pattern of disagreements between Governors and elected governments in southern states. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached to prevent a full-blown constitutional crisis in Karnataka.
