BENGALURU: The Karnataka Governor has continued to withhold assent to the controversial Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, passed by the state government, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stepped up pressure demanding that the Bill be either rejected outright or reserved for the consideration of the President. The development has intensified the political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP over issues of free speech, law and order, and alleged misuse of police machinery.
A BJP delegation comprising senior leaders met Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at Raj Bhavan and submitted a detailed six-page memorandum urging him not to give assent to what they termed a “draconian and unconstitutional” law. The delegation argued that the proposed legislation poses a serious threat to citizens’ freedom of speech and expression and could be misused to target political opponents, activists and dissenting voices.
The BJP leaders told the Governor that the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, violates the basic tenets of democracy and goes against the spirit of the Constitution. They appealed to the Governor to either withhold assent or forward the Bill to the President for reconsideration, citing its far-reaching implications on civil liberties.
In their memorandum, BJP leaders also raised strong concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. They alleged that the Congress-led government has weakened the police system and allowed political interference in law enforcement. According to the BJP, several recent incidents demonstrate not only a breakdown of law and order but also the alleged complicity of police personnel in acts of violence and intimidation.
The delegation cited incidents in which opposition leaders and BJP workers were allegedly targeted through false cases. One of the most serious allegations mentioned in the memorandum pertained to an incident in Hubballi, where a BJP woman worker was allegedly assaulted and stripped by police personnel. BJP leaders described the incident as a blot on democratic governance and accused the government of using the police as a tool to silence opposition voices.
“The democratic values of the state are being systematically undermined,” the BJP leaders stated in their representation, urging the Governor to intervene immediately to protect constitutional rights and ensure impartial functioning of the police.
The BJP delegation also sought the Governor’s intervention in the Ballari banner controversy and the subsequent police firing incident. They demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a fair and transparent probe. According to the BJP, only an independent central agency investigation can bring out the truth in the Ballari incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and political debate.
In addition, the BJP highlighted alleged threats to the life of Gangavathi MLA G. Janardhana Reddy and his family, seeking enhanced security cover for them. The delegation claimed there were indications of abuse of power, criminal conspiracy and political vendetta in the handling of the Ballari case, and urged the Governor to issue appropriate directions to the state government.
Senior BJP leaders who were part of the delegation included Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Member of Parliament Govind Karjol, and MLA S.R. Vishwanath, among others.
