India, Jan. 22 -- Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on Thursday confined his customary address to the state assembly to just two lines, and left without reading the speech prepared by the Congress government.

This led to an uproar and a strong response from Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, who accused him of being "a puppet" of the BJP-led central government

The governor began the speech by greeting the CM, assembly speaker UT Khader, Legislative Council chairman Basavaraj Horatti, and the Leaders of Opposition, besides ministers and other members.

"I am happy to address one more joint session of the Karnataka legislature. My government is fully committed to doubling the speed of economic, social and physical development of the state....