Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot read only three lines from the 122-paragraph address prepared by the Congress-led state government while addressing the joint session of the Legislature on Thursday, effectively bypassing large sections critical of the BJP-led Union government.
The omitted portions of the customary Governor’s address outlined what the state government described as a “suppressive situation in economic and policy matters” under India’s federal framework. The speech also sharply criticised the Centre’s move to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, commonly referred to as the VB-GRAM (G) Act.
Governor Gehlot had earlier conveyed his objection to several paragraphs that were explicitly critical of the Union government. On Thursday, he confined himself to the opening lines — “I extend a warm welcome to all of you to the joint session of the State legislature. I am extremely pleased to address this august House” — before jumping directly to the concluding sentence of the final paragraph.
He ended the address by reading the last line of paragraph 122: “Overall, my government is firmly committed to doubling the pace of the State’s economic, social and physical development. Jai Hind — Jai Karnataka.”
According to the prepared speech, the Karnataka government demanded the scrapping of the VB-GRAM (G) Act, describing it as “contractor-centric” and detrimental to rural livelihoods, and called for the full restoration of MGNREGA. The state government argued that the new law undermines decentralisation, weakens labour protections, and centralises decision-making in violation of constitutional norms.
Key points from the unread sections of the speech:
• Karnataka facing a “suppressive” economic and policy environment within the federal system
• Repeal of MGNREGA described as a blow to rural livelihoods
• VB-GRAM (G) Act accused of protecting corporate and contractor interests
• New law alleged to weaken decentralised governance
• Decision-making said to be imposed by the Centre without consulting states
• Rights of Adivasis, women, backward classes and agrarian communities curtailed
• Labourers allegedly placed under contractor control
• States facing mounting fiscal stress due to central policies
• VB-GRAM (G) Act accused of enabling large-scale corruption
Comments
Use our money for corona patients. Dont waste tax payers money.
For Ayodhya pilgrims, Spend from your BJP looted money.
Our ruling govt is only interested in RAM Mandir and spending crores of rupees for the temple. Why the other community is not demanding fund from the GOVT?
Not bothered about the development of the country as currently we have no idea how to tackle the corona viurs. Ministers are keen on builing Guest house for pilgrims, Statue of RAM etc etc.
Please concentrate on how to minimise the Virus issue in KARNAKATA like other Gulf countries.
Add new comment