Governors Undermining Constitutional Norms in Non-BJP Ruled States

SDPI Warns Against ‘Governor-General’ Role Being Imposed on Non-BJP States

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) expresses deep concern over a growing and troubling pattern in non-BJP ruled states, where the office of the Governor is being systematically misused to strain constitutional conventions and obstruct elected governments. Recent developments in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala point to repeated attempts to dilute legislative authority, provoke institutional confrontation, and undermine the spirit of cooperative federalism.

In Tamil Nadu, Governor R. N. Ravi walked out of the Assembly on January 20, without delivering the customary Governor’s Address after raising procedural objections—an action widely criticised as a breach of legislative tradition and an affront to the dignity of the House. This conduct disregarded the Governor’s constitutional role as a neutral head bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

In Karnataka, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on January 21, sharply curtailed the government-drafted address, triggering an avoidable standoff with the elected government. Similar tensions have unfolded in Kerala, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar January 20, has been accused of selectively omitting Cabinet-approved content and delaying assent to legislation—actions that raise serious questions about neutrality and constitutional propriety.

SDPI reiterates that Articles 163 and 176 of the Constitution are unequivocal: the Governor’s Address must reflect the collective will of the Cabinet. Any unilateral departure from this mandate is unconstitutional. The Governor’s office exists to stabilise democracy—not to function as a parallel power centre or a partisan check on elected legislatures.

In the Modi era, Governors increasingly resemble colonial-era Governors General—not neutral constitutional custodians, but political enforcers tasked with destabilising elected non-BJP governments. Their role today appears less about upholding the Constitution and more about disrupting legislatures, blocking governance, delaying assent, and manufacturing crises on behalf of the ruling party at the Centre.

This pattern is neither accidental nor constitutional. It reflects a deliberate strategy to weaken states, undermine popular mandates, and centralise power—betraying the very spirit of India’s federal democracy.

The Social Democratic Party of India calls upon all Opposition parties and non-BJP–ruled state governments to take collective, coordinated action against this systematic misuse of Raj Bhavans by BJP–RSS functionaries appointed as Governors. Isolated resistance is no longer sufficient; this assault on federalism demands a united democratic response—political, legal, and constitutional.

SDPI Demands:

The Union Government must immediately curb partisan overreach by Governors and uphold cooperative federalism.

The Supreme Court of India should issue clear, binding guidelines to prevent recurring constitutional violations by Governors.

Immediate restoration of decorum, neutrality, and accountability in gubernatorial conduct across states.

India’s democracy rests on respect for constitutional roles. Legislative sovereignty cannot be eroded through executive theatrics.

Federalism cannot survive if Raj Bhavans are turned into BJP outposts.

Mohammad Shafi
National VicePresident