Karnataka governor refuses to address joint house session

Bengaluru: Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has refused to address the joint sitting of the state assembly on Thursday. A total of 11 paragraphs in the government-prepared speech touching upon the "repeal" of MGNREGA and issues including devolution of funds seem to have irked Gehlot, who wants them deleted.

Minister HK Patil met Gehlot on Wednesday evening amid the impasse but there seemed to be no forward movement. Patil, accompanied by advocate general K Shashi Kiran Shetty, said the governor has still not communicated that he will not come to the joint sitting. "We will cross the bridge when it comes," he said.