A Karnataka BJP delegation, led by Leaders of the Opposition R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, met Governor Thawarchand Gehlot to request him not to approve the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, forwarded by the Congress-led government. R. Ashoka expressed concerns, stating that the state was facing lawlessness and urged the Governor to intervene to safeguard democracy.
Ashoka criticized the handling of the proposed Hate Speech law in the Karnataka Legislature, alleging a lack of proper discussion due to restrictions imposed by the Speaker and Chief Minister. He drew parallels to historical events, likening the current situation to the Emergency period under late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1974, and warned of potential threats to free expression and democracy if the Bill is signed into law.
The delegation emphasized that the Bill, if enacted, would infringe on people’s rights and restrict freedom of speech. Ashoka also highlighted incidents of violence, including the attack on BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and the murder of a Congress worker in Ballari, calling for a thorough investigation and demanding CBI intervention in these cases.
Narayanaswamy, addressing the media, criticized the deteriorating law and order situation in Karnataka, pointing out instances of biased treatment by the government. He highlighted the lack of arrests in high-profile cases and raised concerns about the prevailing state of lawlessness in the region.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol, along with several other BJP leaders, joined the delegation in presenting their grievances to the Governor, citing specific instances of violence and the breakdown of law enforcement in the state.
