Mandya: Agriculture minister N Cheluvarayaswamy on Friday criticised the governor’s conduct during the joint session of the legislature, stating that a governor acting as an agent of the Central govt is detrimental to the spirit of democracy. Reacting to the governor cutting short his address, the minister questioned whether it was appropriate for the constitutional head to leave the House without completing the speech and without paying respect to the national anthem. He said it is a long-established convention for governors to read the address prepared by the elected state govt, a practice followed uniformly across the country. Cheluvarayaswamy raised concerns about the governor’s neutrality, remarking that if governors function as representatives of a particular political party or as agents of the BJP-led Central govt, it should be stated openly. Recalling past instances, he said that even former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy described the governor as an agent of the Centre. He also cited similar confrontations in states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, observing that such trends pose a serious threat to democratic values.The minister said PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah should not issue directions that lead to such constitutional confrontations.He also criticised the conduct of leader of opposition R Ashoka, in the assembly, stating that his aggressive behaviour was unbecoming of a senior legislator. He alleged that Ashoka’s actions appeared to be guided by instructions from Union govt and claimed that objectionable language was used during the proceedings. Responding to Ashoka’s remark about “teaching a lesson” to the ruling party, Cheluvarayaswamy said no individual or party has the authority to teach lessons in a democratic system.On leadership changes in the state, the minister clarified that the decision rests solely with the high command. He noted that both CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar stated that national leaders will take an appropriate call at their level, making further debate unnecessary. Cheluvarayaswamy said CM Siddaramaiah never embarrassed the party or govt, while Shivakumar consistently stood by him.
