The Hindu : Front Page : Governor to be urged to address legislators

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Sunday, Sep 17, 2006
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Governor to be urged to address legislators

S. Rajendran

Arrangements under way for Belgaum session from September 25

BANGALORE: Rumours were rife on Saturday that Governor T.N. Chaturvedi had turned down the request of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to address a joint session of the legislature in Belgaum.

However, sources in the Chief Minister's office clarified that there was neither such a request from the Chief Minister nor such a refusal from the Governor.

The Constitution is clear that a Governor can address only one joint session in a calendar year provided the government has not changed. Governor Chaturvedi has already addressed two joint sessions this year, the first on January 19 when the Dharam Singh Government was in office, and the second on February 24 soon after the H.D. Kumaraswamy Government took charge. Sources in the Government told The Hindu that the request to the Governor to address a "meeting" and not a "session" of the legislators would be formally made by Mr. Kumaraswamy. The Chief Minister's invitation to the Governor had also a bearing on the infrastructure available in Belgaum for holding such a meeting of the legislators. However, arrangements for a session of the Legislative Assembly and Council in different venues are under way.

In a communique here on Saturday, the Raj Bhavan clarified that the Governor would not be addressing a joint session of the legislature as mentioned in a section of the media.

The fact was that Governor, in exercise of his powers conferred on him under Article 174 (1) of the Constitution, had summoned the Assembly and the Council to meet in Belgaum on September 25. Sources in the Chief Minister's office said the Chief Minister had requested the Governor to address a meeting of the legislators in Belgaum since it was a special occasion organised in connection with the golden jubilee of the formation of the State.

But the Governor will be away in Hyderabad on September 25, the first day of the Belgaum session.

A request will now be made to him to address the legislators on any day during the session.

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