Rajya Sabha rejects CP(M) MP’s Bill on Governor’s role

The motion was rejected with 56 members opposing it and 21 in favour of the introduction. Brittas sought to introduce The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (amendment of article 158) in the afternoon session of the Upper House.

Brittas said the legislation seeks to ensure the constitutional responsibility of Governors towards the Council of Ministers in carrying out their functions by confining their roles strictly within the bounds of the constitutional provisions.

When Deputy Chairman Harivansh sought approval of the house for the introduction of the Bill, the treasury bench members objected, resulting in an uproar. Afterwards, Harivansh allowed Brittas to make a brief remark on the Bill.

“The government has been harping on cooperative federalism. One important and pertinent issue that is affecting and denting cooperative federalism and the federal character of the Indian constitution is the role of the Governor,” he said.

BJP member Sudhanshu Trivedi said, “Our constitution is considered quasi-federal and the Governor is considered to be representative of the President and if he is asked to abide by the Council of Ministers, then where is the right of the President? Harivansh again put the motion for the introduction of the Bill for a voice vote, to which BJP leader Piyush Goyal said the Deputy Chairman had mistakenly said, “Ayes have it” and there would be no need for voting as it had been ‘Noes have it’.