Guv-govt face off: K’ntka guv confines assembly address to 3 lines
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Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday confined his customary address to the state legislature to just three lines – the first and the last sentences of the government prepared elaborate speech, prompting a strong response from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who accused the former of delivering his own remarks and also dubbed him a "puppet" of the Centre, PTI reported.
In the third governor vs government face-off in two days in three non-BJP ruled southern states, the others being Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Gehlot walked out after his short address to the Legislative Assembly and Council, amid protest by ruling Congress members who also attempted to gherao him.
The governor began the speech by greeting the CM, Assembly Speaker U T Khader, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Leaders of the Opposition, ministers, and members.
"I extend a warm welcome to all of you to the joint session of the State legislature. I am extremely pleased to address one more joint session of the Karnataka legislature. My government is firmly committed to doubling the pace of the state's economic, social and physical development. Jai Hind. Jai Karnataka," he said in Hindi, before proceeding out.
The Treasury Benches, including ministers such as H K Patil (Law and Parliamentary Affairs), stood up in surprise and requested Gehlot to complete the speech.
As the governor proceeded towards the exit door, some ruling legislators, including MLC B K Hariprasad, tried to gherao him by shouting slogans. They were removed by the security staff.
The legislators then shouted ‘shame shame' and "Dhikkara-Dhikkara, Rajyapalarige Dhikkara" (Reproof to the Governor) in Kannada.
While seemingly defending the governor, BJP members shouted "Bharat Mata ki Jai".