BENGALURU: The ongoing conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the Karnataka government appears to be escalating, with the state government reportedly preparing to curtail the administrative powers of the governor. This move, if implemented, could lead to a significant constitutional standoff between the two key institutions. According to sources, the issue was discussed at length during the state Cabinet meeting held in Kalaburagi on Tuesday.
The cabinet is believed to have advised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to limit the governor’s role in key administrative appointments, particularly concerning the selection of University Chancellors and Syndicate members. The CM has instructed relevant ministers to initiate necessary steps in this regard. This is seen as the beginning of a direct confrontation between the Karnataka government and Raj Bhavan, similar to the political tussles seen in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
During the meeting, the topic surfaced while discussing the Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Amendment Bill. Ministers reportedly argued that the governor’s role in appointing Chancellors to universities, especially the new ones, should be diminished. The cabinet is pushing for changes in the appointment process for the Chancellor of the Panchayat Raj University, as an initial step toward limiting the governor’s influence in the educational sector.
Sources indicate that the government is drawing inspiration from similar moves in other states, particularly West Bengal, where the state government has curbed the governor’s powers regarding university administration. This move could lead to a deepening constitutional crisis if it is pursued.
The proposal to reduce the governor’s administrative authority may lead to a clash between the executive and the constitutional figurehead. To handle the legal and administrative complexities, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has tasked key ministers with preparing for this significant move. Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, and Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil have reportedly been assigned to draft the required amendments.
The timing of this decision comes after the governor had returned 11 bills over the last two months, causing friction between the Raj Bhavan and the state government. The governor’s permission for prosecution in MUDA land scam , in particular, was seen as a setback for the ruling party, which has taken the matter as a point of prestige. While the governor later gave assent to three of the bills after additional information was provided, the ongoing tension has only deepened.
The Karnataka government’s broader strategy appears to be focused on bringing a comprehensive amendment to the University Act, which would significantly reduce the governor’s involvement in university administration. The government is expected to present this amendment bill in the upcoming winter session of the state legislature, with consultations planned with education experts before the bill is finalized.
A critical factor that could influence the success of this proposal is the growing strength of the Congress party in the Karnataka Legislative Council. By the next session, the party is expected to have enough numerical strength to push through the amendments, effectively removing the governor’s traditional powers over university appointments.
This move by the state government is likely to trigger a constitutional battle, with the governor’s office expected to resist any reduction in its powers. Historically, the governor’s role in state administration has been a matter of contention in Indian politics, and Karnataka could become the latest battleground in this debate.
The government’s plan to introduce a comprehensive overhaul of the University Act could significantly alter the balance of power between the state and the governor. If successful, the move could set a precedent for other states seeking to limit the influence of governors, particularly in states where opposition parties have voiced similar concerns.
As Karnataka gears up for the next legislative session, political observers are closely watching how this power struggle between the state government and the Raj Bhavan unfolds. With the Congress poised to increase its influence in the Legislative Council, the stage is set for a potential showdown over the future of governance in the state.
In the meantime, the Siddaramaiah-led government seems determined to press ahead with its plans, signaling that it is ready for a prolonged battle over the governor’s role in Karnataka’s administrative and educational sectors.
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