South Indian Governors Refuse Address: Constitutional Crisis Looms

• Governors in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have refused to read full government addresses, citing objectionable content criticizing the Centre.
• Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot walked out after reading only three lines, objecting to paragraphs criticizing central policies and the 'Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)' law.
• The dispute stems from governors acting as 'agents of the Centre,' withholding bills, and refusing to read speeches prepared by state cabinets.
• Article 176(1) mandates the Governor to read the cabinet-prepared address, which represents government policy, not personal opinion.
• State governments can approach the Supreme Court, seek constitutional amendments, pass resolutions to deem the address 'read,' or exert political pressure.

Why It Matters: Governors' refusal to read state addresses creates a constitutional crisis, challenging federalism and Centre-state relations.