Congress President Accuses BJP-Led Centre of Governor Manipulation
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government, alleging that it has transformed state Governors into "puppets" whose primary function is to create trouble for non-BJP state administrations across India.
Karnataka Incident Sparks Political Firestorm
Kharge's explosive remarks came just two days after a controversial incident in Karnataka that has sent shockwaves through political circles. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot created a major constitutional controversy when he read only three lines from the 122-paragraph customary speech prepared by the state government during the Legislature's joint session.
The Governor's abrupt departure from the session after this minimal reading has been interpreted by opposition parties as a deliberate attempt to undermine the elected state government. This incident has become the focal point of Kharge's allegations about the systematic misuse of gubernatorial offices.
Constitutional Offices Under Scrutiny
Kharge emphasized that Governors are meant to be constitutional figures who maintain political neutrality and uphold democratic principles. However, he claimed that under the current central government, these positions have been weaponized against opposition-ruled states through various means:
- Delaying approval for crucial legislation passed by state assemblies
- Creating administrative hurdles for state governments
- Undermining the authority of elected representatives
- Acting as political agents rather than constitutional authorities
Broader Pattern of Federal Tensions
The Congress President's allegations point to what he describes as a "worrying pattern" in center-state relations under the current administration. Kharge suggested that the Karnataka incident is not isolated but rather part of a systematic approach to weaken opposition governments through constitutional offices.
Political observers note that this controversy emerges amid ongoing tensions between the BJP-led central government and several opposition-ruled states. The role of Governors has become increasingly contentious in recent years, with multiple states reporting conflicts between Raj Bhavans and elected governments.
Timing and Political Implications
The timing of Kharge's statement is particularly significant, coming just days after the Karnataka incident that has dominated political discourse. The Congress President's strong language reflects the escalating tensions between the ruling party at the center and opposition parties controlling various state governments.
This development is likely to fuel further debate about federalism in India and the proper role of constitutional authorities in a democratic system. As the political battle intensifies, the functioning of Governor's offices across opposition-ruled states will remain under intense scrutiny from all political stakeholders.
