He completed his address in just two lines and walked out of the session, prompting sloganeering from Congress leaders.
Published Jan 22, 2026 | 11:55 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 22, 2026 | 11:55 AM
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot delivering his opening address.
Synopsis: Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot delivered his opening address on the first day of the joint session of the state legislature, while refusing to read out the government-drafted speech.
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot delivered his opening address on the first day of the joint session of the state legislature. However, he refused to read out the government-drafted speech.
He completed his address in just two lines and walked out of the session, prompting sloganeering from Congress leaders.
“I welcome you to the joint session of the Karnataka Assembly. I am proud to be addressing the Karnataka Assembly one more time. My government is committed to doubling the economic, social and infrastructural development of Karnataka. Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka,” said Gehlot.
On Wednesday, Gehlot had refused to address the joint session, convened by the state government to discuss the Union government’s repeal of MGNREGA.
The ruling Congress in Karnataka announced earlier this month that it would convene a special session of the legislature after saying it would legally challenge the repeal of MGNREGA. At the time, Patil said the aim was to create awareness about the social and economic impact of the repeal.
He said the government could not avoid convening a session if the rights of the people of the state were being “snatched”. The state has consistently criticised several provisions of the VG-G RAM G Act, which replaced MGNREGA, saying they violate citizens’ right to work and livelihood as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
It has also been said that the new law would place a financial burden on the state orders of magnitude higher than under MGNREGA.
The move is Gehlot’s first such refusal, but it comes days after the Governors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, RN Ravi and Rajendra Vishawanath Arlekar, respectively, courted controversy for their conduct in their state Assemblies.
(With inputs from Anisha Reddy.)
