Workers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a significant demonstration in Mandya on Wednesday, vehemently opposing the newly proposed Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025. The protesters demanded the state government immediately withdraw the legislation, which they labeled as a direct assault on constitutional freedoms.
Mass Gathering at Deputy Commissioner's Office
The protest unfolded in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office, where a large group of BJP functionaries and activists assembled. The atmosphere was charged as participants raised loud slogans condemning the action of the Congress-led state government. The core of their dissent centered on the bill's perceived implications for democratic discourse in Karnataka.
Allegations of Unconstitutional Overreach
Addressing the gathered crowd, senior BJP figures launched a sharp critique of the bill. They alleged that the proposed law is unconstitutional and poses a severe threat to the fundamental right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. The speakers argued that the legislation's true purpose is not to regulate hate speech but to silence political dissent and curb the voices of opposition parties.
The protesters accused the state government of using the bill as a tool to evade legitimate criticism and suppress public opinion. They issued a stark warning that implementing such a law would inevitably lead to the misuse of power by the ruling dispensation and place unacceptable restrictions on healthy democratic debate.
Call for Reconsideration and Withdrawal
In their final appeal, the BJP workers urged the Siddaramaiah government to reconsider its move and refrain from enforcing the bill. They stated unequivocally that any law which undermines the pillar of free speech is fundamentally unacceptable in a democratic society like India. The protest in Mandya signals the beginning of a likely state-wide political confrontation over this contentious piece of legislation.
