BJP to approach President over hate speech prevention Bill: Shobha Karandlaje

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Dec 21, 2025: The State BJP has decided to approach the President of India and has also written to the Governor opposing the hate speech prevention Bill introduced by the Congress government.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje alleged that the Bill was aimed at silencing voices critical of the Congress. She said she had urged the Governor not to give assent to the legislation, claiming it curtails freedom of expression.

Karandlaje accused the Congress government of imposing an “undeclared Emergency” and said the Bill was passed in the Assembly without adequate discussion. She further alleged that the legislation violated the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary and was against the spirit of the Constitution. “If necessary, I will also meet the President,” she said.

The Union Minister also alleged that a fact-check agency had been set up and entrusted to Congress workers, and claimed it was headed by Minister Priyank Kharge. She further alleged that private individuals and agencies linked to the Congress were involved and that ₹3–4 crore was being spent annually on the agency.

Karandlaje also claimed that cases had been registered against 35 BJP social media workers, besides MLAs and MLCs.