Bengaluru, March 3: Opposition parties BJP and JD(S) launched a sharp protest against the ruling Congress government in Karnataka on Monday, alleging attempts to limit the Governor’s constitutional powers.
In a visible show of strength, opposition leaders marched from the Legislators' Home to Vidhana Soudha, marking the start of the legislature session scheduled to run until March 21. With placards and slogans, BJP and JD(S) members expressed their anger over what they described as the Siddaramaiah government's deliberate effort to curtail Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s authority, especially his role as Chancellor of state universities.
Key opposition figures, including BJP State President and Shikaripura MLA B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, led the protest. They were joined by MLAs and members of the Legislative Council, who raised slogans such as "Condemn the Congress for curtailing the Governor's authority despite the High Court upholding it," and "Condemn the Congress government for cutting the Governor's chancellorship."
Addressing the media, R Ashoka accused the Congress government of "undermining democracy," emphasizing that the Governor’s powers were explicitly provided under the Constitution. He criticized the ruling party, stating, "The Congress has insulted Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s Constitution by making maximum amendments. Now, they want to strip the Governor of his powers as Chancellor, particularly concerning university appointments and supervision."
At the heart of the controversy is the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (Amendment) Bill, passed by the state legislature in December amid opposition protests. This bill removes the Governor’s authority to appoint the Vice-Chancellor of the RDPR University. Governor Gehlot recently returned the amendment to the government, seeking additional clarifications.
Opposition leaders accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of engaging in "vile politics," reiterating their demand for the immediate withdrawal of amendments limiting the Governor's powers.
The legislature session, now underway, is expected to witness heated debates on this contentious issue.
In a visible show of strength, opposition leaders marched from the Legislators' Home to Vidhana Soudha, marking the start of the legislature session scheduled to run until March 21. With placards and slogans, BJP and JD(S) members expressed their anger over what they described as the Siddaramaiah government's deliberate effort to curtail Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s authority, especially his role as Chancellor of state universities.
Key opposition figures, including BJP State President and Shikaripura MLA B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, led the protest. They were joined by MLAs and members of the Legislative Council, who raised slogans such as "Condemn the Congress for curtailing the Governor's authority despite the High Court upholding it," and "Condemn the Congress government for cutting the Governor's chancellorship."
Addressing the media, R Ashoka accused the Congress government of "undermining democracy," emphasizing that the Governor’s powers were explicitly provided under the Constitution. He criticized the ruling party, stating, "The Congress has insulted Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s Constitution by making maximum amendments. Now, they want to strip the Governor of his powers as Chancellor, particularly concerning university appointments and supervision."
At the heart of the controversy is the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (Amendment) Bill, passed by the state legislature in December amid opposition protests. This bill removes the Governor’s authority to appoint the Vice-Chancellor of the RDPR University. Governor Gehlot recently returned the amendment to the government, seeking additional clarifications.
Opposition leaders accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of engaging in "vile politics," reiterating their demand for the immediate withdrawal of amendments limiting the Governor's powers.
The legislature session, now underway, is expected to witness heated debates on this contentious issue.