Shimla, March 11,
In an unprecedented departure from constitutional norms, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukal’s inaugural ceremonial address to the state assembly on Monday raised eyebrows as he deviated from the traditional script and took personal credit for the state’s anti-drug campaign.
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The Governor’s speech, which lasted over an hour and spanned 53 pages, also included references to India’s recent victory in the ICC Champions Trophy, further straying from the usual protocol.
The Governor began his address by congratulating the members of the assembly on India’s cricket triumph, a move seen as unusual for such a formal occasion.
He then shifted focus to the state government’s efforts in combating drug abuse, expressing gratitude to the administration for its commendable work.
However, he notably claimed credit for initiating the anti-drug drive, a statement that has sparked debate over the propriety of such remarks in a Governor’s address.
Under Article 176 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor’s address is a formal statement drafted by the Council of Ministers, outlining the government’s policies and achievements.
The Governor is expected to read the approved text verbatim, without personal additions or deviations. Senior journalists covering the assembly for decades noted that this departure from convention is rare and could set a contentious precedent.
The draft of the Governor’s address, approved by the Council of Ministers, did include two paragraphs on the anti-drug campaign, which the Governor read verbatim after his initial remarks.
However, his earlier comments about his personal role in the initiative have drawn criticism, with opposition members likely to raise the issue during the motion of thanks scheduled for Tuesday.
The assembly proceedings remained peaceful, with members patiently listening to the Governor’s speech. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania adjourned the house after the address concluded.
Political observers and constitutional experts have highlighted the significance of adhering to established norms in such ceremonial addresses. The Governor’s role is largely ceremonial, and the address is intended to reflect the state government’s agenda, not the personal views or achievements of the Governor.
The upcoming debate on the motion of thanks is expected to see heated discussions, with both treasury and opposition benches likely to reference the Governor’s unconventional remarks. The opposition may question the propriety of the Governor taking credit for initiatives that fall under the purview of the elected government.
As the assembly reconvenes today, all eyes will be on how the ruling party and the opposition navigate this delicate constitutional issue, which has brought the role and responsibilities of the Governor into sharp focus.
