India, Jan. 25 -- After the Governors of two non-BJP ruled States-Kerala and Tamil Nadu-refused to read out the draft speeches prepared by their respective State governments, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot became the third to follow suit. He read only two lines instead of the 43 page address to the joint legislature session that commenced on January 22 and walked out even before the national anthem was played, triggering noisy protests by the ruling Congress members.

Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad tried to block the Governor's path as he was leaving and insisted that he read the complete speech. However, marshals intervened and forcibly escorted the MLC out of the House, during which his kurta was torn in the pushing and shoving. ...