Belagavi, Dec. 18 -- The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025, amid strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which warned that the legislation conflicts with central laws and could be misused, creating fear and uncertainty among citizens.
The BJP described the bill as resembling an "emergency in a new avatar," raising concerns over potential abuse of power.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan sharply criticised the Congress government for what he called a blatant disregard for democracy and constitutional principles.
He alleged that one of the ministers had made a very insensitive statement against a region, and when the BJP demanded ...