Kharge Alleges BJP Disrupting Karnataka Assembly, CM Flags Constitutional Violation by Governor

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Bengaluru, Jan 25, 2026: Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was deliberately obstructing the smooth functioning of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, days after Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot walked out of the House without reading the complete address prepared by the state government.

Speaking to ANI, Kharge claimed that the BJP had ensured the Governor violated established norms, traditions and constitutional provisions. “It is clear that the BJP does not intend to ensure the smooth functioning of the Karnataka Assembly. The Governor was in such a tearing hurry to prove a point that he did not even wait for the national anthem to be played,” Kharge alleged, adding that the BJP was unwilling to allow a discussion on the issue in the House.

Kharge further alleged that the proposed VB-G-RAM G Bill was unconstitutional. He claimed the legislation violated the powers of panchayats, diluted the right to work and failed to ensure minimum wages for labourers. “They know that if there is a debate on MGNREGA, they have nothing to say. Hence, they want to disrupt the Assembly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday strongly criticised Governor Gehlot for refusing to deliver the customary address to the Assembly, terming it a “violation of the Constitution”. He said the government was examining the option of approaching the Supreme Court over the matter.

“Every new year, the Governor is constitutionally required to address the joint session of the Assembly with a speech prepared by the Cabinet. Instead, the Governor read a speech prepared by himself. This violates Articles 176 and 163 of the Constitution of India,” Siddaramaiah said.

Alleging that the Governor had failed to discharge his constitutional duties, the Chief Minister said the government would protest the Governor’s conduct and explore legal remedies, including moving the Supreme Court.