India, Jan. 23 -- In a high drama in Karnataka Assembly, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday refused to read the State-prepared address to a joint session of the State legislature and concluded his customary speech in just three lines, evoking a sharp reaction from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who accused him of being a "puppet" of the Centre.

This is the third governor vs Government face-off in two days in three non-BJP-ruled southern states, the others being Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The Governor began the speech by greeting the Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker UT Khader, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, the Leaders of the Opposition, ministers, and members.

"I extend a warm welcome to all of you to the joint session of the Stat...