Bengaluru: A delegation of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Monday met Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging him to withhold assent to the recently passed Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, describing the proposed legislation as draconian and a threat to free speech. The delegation also pressed for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into recent violent incidents in Ballari, raising concerns over the state government’s handling of law and order.

The delegation was led by R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the legislative assembly, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of Opposition in the legislative council. Alongside opposing the hate speech legislation, they submitted memoranda highlighting incidents of alleged misconduct by the state government, including clashes in Ballari and demolitions of allegedly illegal houses in Kogilu, northern Bengaluru.

Opposition’s Allegations on Law and Order

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ashoka accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of allowing law and order to deteriorate in Karnataka. “Without anyone to question, Karnataka has become a jungle raj. We have formally requested the Governor, as the first citizen of the state, to act and save Karnataka from descending into a goonda state,” he said.

The BJP leaders alleged that the hate speech bill, passed in the recent legislative session, was rushed through under the guidance of CM Siddaramaiah and Assembly Speaker UT Khader without adequate debate. “If assent is given to this bill, it will restrict the rights of the media and opposition parties to critique and question the government. The state will effectively turn into a police state, undermining democracy and free speech,” Ashoka said.

The Raj Bhavan had earlier stated that the bill was “under consideration.” The legislation proposes a jail term of one year for hate crimes, extendable up to seven years, along with a fine of ₹50,000, while repeat offences could attract a maximum sentence of seven years and a fine of ₹1 lakh.

Demand for CBI Probe into Ballari Violence

The delegation also highlighted the Ballari violence earlier this month, claiming that local police were acting under political pressure and the investigation had lost direction. “It was an attack with bullets targeted at BJP MLA G. Janardhan Reddy, during which a Congress worker was killed by his own party members. Those responsible have not been arrested yet, and attempts are underway to close the case,” Ashoka alleged.

The Ballari incident on January 1 followed clashes between supporters of Ballari City Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavati BJP MLA G. Janardhan Reddy, reportedly triggered by the installation of a banner near a Valmiki statue in front of Janardhan Reddy’s residence. The altercation escalated into stone-pelting and firing, leaving one Congress worker dead.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara rejected the BJP’s demand for a CBI probe, asserting that the state police were capable of handling the investigation.

Kogilu Demolitions and Housing Concerns

Another point of contention raised by the BJP delegation was the government’s handling of demolitions at Kogilu, including Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony, conducted on December 20 by the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited to clear encroachments for a proposed solid waste processing unit.

Ashoka criticized the government for allegedly favoring migrant residents whose houses were demolished while many who had paid under official housing schemes, totaling 36 lakh people, were still awaiting allotment. “Leaving these 36 lakh people aside, houses are being allotted to migrants under pressure from Kerala Congress leaders for minority appeasement,” he claimed.

Government Response

CM Siddaramaiah responded to questions regarding the hate speech bill, clarifying that the Governor had neither approved nor returned the legislation, leaving it pending weeks after passage. “The bill was passed unanimously. It is not rejected, sent back, or accepted yet. The government will provide clarifications if sought,” he said.

The Home Minister also defended the state police’s handling of Ballari violence, reiterating that there was no need for a central probe.

Political Implications

The BJP delegation’s move underscores the political tensions in Karnataka, where the opposition is increasingly criticizing the state government’s handling of both law and order and legislative matters. By framing the Hate Speech Bill as draconian and urging the Governor to withhold assent, the BJP is positioning itself as a defender of free speech and opposition rights, while simultaneously questioning the credibility of the state administration in managing law and order incidents.

The clash over the Ballari violence and Kogilu demolitions also highlights concerns over the state government’s impartiality in enforcing laws, with BJP alleging political favoritism and minority appeasement.

As the Governor deliberates on the Hate Speech Bill, the political battle over the legislation, law and order, and governance in Karnataka is expected to intensify, with both parties aiming to consolidate support ahead of future elections.