In an unconventional turn of events, the Karnataka Legislature was plunged into pandemonium on January 22, 2026, following a brief address by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.
The Governor’s speech, which consisted of only two lines, marked the commencement of the joint session that had been convened to discuss the repeal of the MGNREGA and its replacement with the VB-G RAM G Act.
The Congress government in Karnataka claimed that the Governor expressed reservations over 11 paragraphs in the prepared speech, containing strong criticism of the Central government for introducing the VB-G RAM G Act.
In response to the Governor’s walkout, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the action as a “violation of the constitution.” He asserted that the Governor had acted as a puppet of the central government, and that by reading a speech prepared by them, the central government was infringing upon the constitutional rights.
In an attempt to clarify the Governor’s constitutional function, Mr. Siddaramaiah explained that the governor is required to read the speech prepared by the cabinet, not one he prepares himself.
The Governor began his address with a customary greeting and then proceeded to read only the last line of his speech, which was “My government is committed to doubling the speed of economic and social progress in the State. Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka.”
The Karnataka government had 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. The new legislation is expected to give the central government the power to decide where employment under the act will be provided, which has sparked concerns among various marginalized sections of society.
