Overview
On Friday, January 23, 2026, the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued their exchange of accusations regarding the disruption that occurred in the State Legislature during Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s truncated address to the joint session. The incident has sparked a debate over constitutional propriety and the decorum of legislative proceedings.
Key Developments
BJP's Demands
- The BJP demanded the suspension of members involved in what they termed “disrespect to the Governor.”
- They sought a resolution condemning the incident that occurred on January 22, 2026.
- R. Ashok, Leader of the Opposition, accused the government of showing disrespect to the Governor by shouting slogans and surrounding him as he left the House.
- BJP members like C.N. Ashwathnarayana, V. Sunil Kumar, and Suresh Gowda questioned the lack of action against members who protested against the Governor.
- V. Sunil Kumar accused the Congress of running a “goonda government” and demanded immediate action against those who insulted the Governor.
Congress's Response
- The Congress demanded an apology from Mr. Gehlot to the citizens of the State and the Legislature for refusing to read the full text of the address prepared by the government.
- They also alleged that the Governor “insulted” the national anthem by walking out immediately after the address.
- Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil cited court rulings, stating that the Governor, as the custodian of the Constitution, could not evade his responsibilities.
- Mr. Patil reiterated the demand for an apology from the Governor, alleging that he insulted the national anthem.
Speaker's Role and Future Action
- The Speaker, U.T. Khader, has been criticized by the opposition for remaining silent when ruling party members created chaos.
- The Speaker is expected to give his ruling on the matter next week.
Points of Contention
- Disrespect to the Governor: The BJP accuses the Congress of disrespecting the Governor through slogans and protests.
- Truncated Address: The Congress criticizes the Governor for not reading the full address prepared by the government.
- Insult to National Anthem: The Congress alleges that the Governor insulted the national anthem by leaving immediately after the address.
- Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act: S. Suresh Kumar (BJP) questioned how the Governor could speak against a law signed by the President.
Exam Relevance
This news article is relevant to the UPSC syllabus as it touches upon the roles and responsibilities of the Governor, the functioning of the State Legislature, and Centre-State relations. It is particularly relevant to GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures, Government Policies and Interventions, and Constitutional Bodies.
Key Figures
- Thaawarchand Gehlot: Governor of the State
- R. Ashok: Leader of the Opposition
- H.K. Patil: Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister
- U.T. Khader: Speaker of the House