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BJP Urges Karnataka Governor To Block Hate Speech Bill and Seek CBI Probe Into Ballari Violence

Opposition leaders cite police politicisation, warning the bill could muzzle dissent.

Overview

  • Senior BJP leaders met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in Bengaluru on January 12 to petition for intervention over what they allege is a breakdown in law and order.
  • The delegation asked the Governor to withhold or reserve assent to the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill under Article 200, calling it a tool to silence criticism.
  • They sought a CBI investigation into the Ballari clash in which a Congress worker was killed in firing outside MLA G. Janardhana Reddy’s residence, citing concerns over his safety.
  • The memorandum cited 236 police suspensions for criminal activities and 42 personnel facing criminal cases, and alleged selective cases against Opposition workers for posts and protests.
  • The team was led by Leaders of the Opposition R. Ashok and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and no response from the Governor or action on the requests had been reported.