Belagavi, Dec. 18 -- Following Bharatiya Janata Party's opposition to the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday defended the bill, saying it aims to maintain peace and tranquillity in society.

"The Supreme Court has laid down a very clear definition of hate speech. They have said hate speech should be curbed, correct? They should maintain peace and tranquillity in society and it's our job as a state government to do so. We have brought in a bill for that. " Kharge told ANI.

Kharge hit back at the BJP, questioning why they were "panicking" about the bill. "Why is the BJP panicking about it? Does the hate speech bill mention BJP, RSS, any organisation...You should ask the BJP why ...