Desk Correspondent , Karnataka - The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed unprecedented scenes on Thursday, January 22, 2026, as Governor Thawarchand Gehlot staged a dramatic walkout just minutes into his customary address. The session, intended to outline the state government’s roadmap, collapsed into chaos as the Governor abruptly stopped reading the prepared speech and exited the hall, leaving the Congress-led administration and the treasury benches in a state of shock.

The tension reportedly flared over the inclusion of specific paragraphs in the Governor's speech that were highly critical of the Central Government’s handling of MNREGA funds and the release of drought relief. Sources within Raj Bhavan suggest the Governor was reluctant to read out "politically charged" statements targeting the Union Government. However, the Siddaramaiah-led government has termed the walkout an "assault on the democratic fabric of the state," arguing that the Governor is constitutionally bound to read the speech approved by the State Cabinet. "This is an insult to the 6.5 crore people of Karnataka and a blatant violation of constitutional norms," Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar stated following the walkout.

The opposition BJP has rallied behind the Governor, accusing the state government of trying to use the Raj Bhavan to score "cheap political points" and spread "misinformation" regarding central schemes. The incident marks a new low in the already fractured relationship between the Karnataka government and the Governor’s office, following months of friction over pending bills and sanctioning of probes. As the Assembly was adjourned amid slogans and protests, the constitutional crisis in Bengaluru appears set to escalate, with legal experts weighing in on the Governor’s discretionary powers versus his ceremonial obligations.