Mysore/Mysuru: Strongly opposing the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the just concluded Winter Session of the State Legislature at Belagavi, the KR Constituency BJP Unit staged a massive demonstration in front of 101 Ganapathi Temple at Agrahara yesterday, demanding immediate repeal of the Bill.

Addressing the protesters, MLA T.S. Srivatsa said that the Hate Speech Bill, introduced by the Congress Government, is very much against the Constitution. Maintaining that the Bill robs the people of freedom of expression, he said that the Bill was violative of the Constitution.

“The Congress Government is depriving the people of freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Constitution. The Government is out to kill the voice of the people through this Draconian Bill, which is very much against the spirit of Democracy.  As such, the Government should immediately withdraw the Bill,” he said adding that the BJP would petition the Governor against giving assent to the Bill and also move the Court, if the Congress Government does not withdraw the Bill.

The party workers tore a copy of the Bill to register their protest.

City BJP President L. Nagendra, Spokesperson M.G. Mahesh, party leaders Gopal Raje Urs, Jogi Manju, Upendra, Rakesh and others were present.

Protest by NR Unit

The Narasimharaja (NR) Constituency Unit of the BJP too staged a demonstration over the same issue near Shaneshwaraswamy Temple in Rajendranagar here yesterday.

The demonstration was led by former Mayor Sandesh Swamy.

Addressing the protesters, Sandesh Swamy said that the demonstration was part of the Statewide campaign against the Hate Speech Bill. He appealed the Governor not to give assent to the Bill, which he said was introduced to target the Opposition BJP in the State.

Former Corporator Satvik, City BJP Vice-President S. Murali, party leaders S. Manjunath, Padmanabha, Manju C. Gowda, Indira, Kavitha Singh, Anand, Srinivas, Puneeth, Narayan, Jagadish, Kartik and others were present.