Bengaluru: The Karnataka political landscape witnessed high drama during the special session of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday( January 22), with the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka strongly condemning the Congress legislators for allegedly obstructing Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot as he exited after addressing the joint session. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka termed the incident a “black day for democracy” and accused the ruling party of showing gross disrespect to a constitutional authority.
Addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha, Ashoka said the Governor had acted strictly in accordance with the Constitution. “As per constitutional provisions, the Governor discharged his duty, concluded his address, thanked the House and left. What is wrong in this?” he asked.
Ashoka asserted that the Governor has the authority to read or not read the entire address and cannot be compelled by the government or legislators.
Today marks one of the darkest days in the history of the Karnataka Legislature
The Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, arrived at the Joint Session of the Legislature and discharged his constitutional duty by presenting the Governor’s Address, as mandated… pic.twitter.com/WXuilMMvcb
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) January 22, 2026
He accused Congress legislators of blocking the Governor’s path and behaving in an unruly manner. “This is nothing but hooliganism. The Congress has conducted the session in a shameful manner and insulted the dignity of the Assembly,” Ashoka alleged.
Demand for action against erring legislators
BJP leader Ashoka demanded strict action against those who allegedly obstructed the Governor. He said he would submit a formal letter to Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, urging him to take disciplinary action. “Those who showed disrespect on the floor of the House must be expelled,” he said.
Questioning the Congress’ selective outrage, Ashoka pointed out that Governor Gehlot had given assent to several Bills passed by the state government in the past. “Was the Governor acceptable to Congress when he signed Bills? Why this drama now?” he asked.
Launching a sharp attack on the ruling party, BJP leader alleged that the Congress was attempting to convert Vidhana Soudha into a “Congress Bhavan” to please its high command leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. “This is a deliberate conspiracy driven by political motives,” he charged.
BJP state president Vijayendra joins attack
State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra also came down heavily on the Congress government, accusing it of “murdering democracy”. He alleged that the ruling party was misusing the Assembly to divert attention from its failures. “To hide its administrative lapses and indulge in divisive politics, the Congress is abusing democratic institutions,” Vijayendra said.
Responding to the Congress’ criticism of changes in the MGNREGA scheme, Vijayendra said the Centre had only introduced reforms. “The Congress is spreading misinformation under the pretext of these reforms. With the arrogance of having 140 MLAs, the government is resorting to oppression,” he alleged.
Congress made allegation against governor
The controversy erupted after Governor Gehlot, during his address to the joint session, read only the opening and concluding paragraphs of the speech instead of the full text prepared by the state government. He welcomed the Chief Minister, Speaker and members to the joint session, stated that the government was committed to economic, social and intellectual development, and concluded with “Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka,” before leaving.
This triggered strong protests from Congress legislators, who accused the Governor of disregarding the Cabinet-approved address. The issue soon escalated into chaos, with allegations that ruling party members attempted to stop the Governor as he was leaving the House.
Centre’s scheme name altered, BJP alleges
Adding another dimension to the controversy, the BJP alleged that the state government had altered the official name of a central government scheme in the Governor’s address. According to BJP leaders, the scheme name containing the word ‘Ram’ was changed in the text provided by the state government. Since the Governor’s address becomes part of official Assembly records, the BJP accused the Congress government of deliberately modifying the scheme’s name.
