As per the report, the Governor raised objections to certain references to the Union government in the draft address prepared by the state cabinet. While no official statement has been issued by Raj Bhavan so far, the refusal comes amid a spate of recent confrontations between governors and elected governments in non-BJP-ruled states.

On Wednesday, a delegation led by Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil met Governor Gehlot at Lok Bhavan to discuss the issue. Sources indicated that efforts were made to resolve differences over the content of the address, but no consensus was reached by the end of the day.

The Congress government is expected to raise multiple contentious issues during the session, including a proposed resolution critical of the BJP-led central government. The state is also likely to oppose the reported replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the proposed ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G)’ and demand restoration of the existing scheme.

The situation in Karnataka follows similar confrontations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala earlier this week. In Tamil Nadu, Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the Assembly on January 20 without delivering his customary address, alleging disrespect to the national anthem after his request to play it following the Tamil anthem was denied. The state government rejected the allegations, calling the walkout an affront to the Assembly.

In Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of skipping portions of the policy speech critical of the Centre’s fiscal policies and pending bills. Raj Bhavan dismissed the charge, stating that the Governor had sought removal of what it termed “half-truths” from the draft.

Political observers say the growing friction between governors and state governments is raising constitutional questions about the role of Raj Bhavan and may further polarise legislative proceedings across states.