KARNATAKA: Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress president D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday strongly defended the state government’s decision to introduce the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025. He said the legislation was necessary to safeguard constitutional values and curb the growing menace of hate speech.
Speaking to reporters outside the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, Shivakumar stressed that the Bill was designed to protect communal harmony and ensure accountability. The Congress government tabled the Bill in the Assembly on Wednesday, prompting fierce resistance from the Opposition BJP.
Responding to the criticism, Shivakumar accused the BJP of being “pioneers” in spreading hatred along caste and religious lines. “Their leaders have a history of personal attacks and divisive rhetoric. They must conduct themselves in the true spirit of the Constitution. If they genuinely respect the Constitution, they should adhere to its values,” he said.
The Bill, which seeks to tighten legal provisions against hate speech and hate crimes, is expected to trigger further debate as the Assembly continues its winter session.
