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Similar incidents have occurred in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where governors omitted or changed parts of the speeches prepared by the state governments.
The Supreme Court has said that the Governor should generally read the speech prepared by the Cabinet as it represents the policies of the State Government and not the personal views of the Governor.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday abruptly ended his traditional address to the joint session of the state legislature at Vidhana Soudha and refused to read out the entire speech prepared by the Siddaramaiah government. After reading only a few initial lines, the Governor walked out of the House, triggering protests and chaos inside the Assembly.
This incident has once again drawn attention to the increasing pattern in opposition-ruled states. The governors of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have in recent months refused to read the entire “Governor’s Address” prepared by the state governments, rekindling a constitutional debate over the limits of governor’s discretion and the balance of power between the Center and the states.
What happened in Karnataka?
In the Karnataka Assembly, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot read only a few lines of the speech prepared by the state government and then walked out. The speech contained 11 paragraphs that aimed to use the Governor’s address to sharply criticize the Central government’s decision to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by the Karnataka government. A copy of the speech prepared by the state government, seen by CNN-News18, shows that the proposed address had strong objections to the Centre’s move. The Governor said he could not read the parts which he believed were “false or misleading” and that it was inappropriate for a constitutional head to speak against the Centre.
He also objected to the criticism of the central government’s new rural employment law, the “Vikas Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)” (VB-GRAMG). The Governor argued that since the law was passed by Parliament, it would be unconstitutional to criticize it.
Tension between state governments and governors in other states
This tension between the Governor of a state and the ruling state government is an issue that is not limited to Karnataka. Similar incidents have occurred in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where governors omitted or changed parts of the speeches prepared by the state governments.
This conflict is more frequent and intense in opposition-ruled states. The Governor’s refusal is seen as interference in state affairs, especially when the state government is headed by a party different from the Centre.
Tamil Nadu
Governor RN Ravi has repeatedly refused to read the parts of the speech that refer to the “Dravidian model” or political ideology. He has also staged a walkout from the Assembly accusing the members of insulting the national anthem.
Kerala
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has been at loggerheads with the Left government for a long time over issues like university appointments. In January 2026, he deleted parts of the speech criticizing the Centre’s fiscal policies.
What does the Constitution say?
Article 176(1) of the Constitution states that the Governor shall address the Legislative Assembly at the beginning of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of each year.
The speech is prepared by the state government and reflects its policies and achievements. The Governor is expected to read it without any changes.
The Supreme Court has said that the Governor should generally read the speech prepared by the Cabinet as it represents the policies of the State Government and not the personal views of the Governor.
Who writes speeches?
The draft of the speech has been prepared by the Cabinet of the State Government. The role of the Governor is to read it, not to add personal views or make changes.
If the Governor refuses to read or edit it, it could be seen as a violation of constitutional convention.
What can state governments do?
1. Approach the Supreme Court or High Court
State governments can challenge the Governor’s refusal in court.
The Karnataka government is planning to approach the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, arguing that the Governor’s refusal is a violation of Article 176.
The government in Tamil Nadu is also considering legal action.
2. Challenge the convention of reading speeches
State governments can push for a constitutional amendment to change or abolish Article 176.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced plans to introduce an amendment terming the practice a “British relic”.
Former President R. Venkataraman also described this tradition as a “useless formality”.
3. Pass a resolution in the assembly
Some states have passed resolutions declaring that the speech will be considered “read” even if the Governor abstains.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly recently passed a resolution demanding that the government’s original speech be recorded as read.
4. Political pressure
Opposition ruled states can collectively challenge the Center and demand a review of the Governor’s powers.
What will happen if the Governor refuses to read the speech?
Article 176 requires speech, but the Assembly can continue its proceedings even if the Governor refuses. However, repeated refusal could lead to a constitutional crisis and weaken the federal structure.
January 22, 2026, 15:58 IST
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