"Why are BJP and its affiliates panicking?": Priyank Kharge questions BJP's opposition to Hate Speech Bill

Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], December 16 (ANI): Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party's opposition to the Hate Speech Bill being introduced in the state Assembly.
Kharge said to ANI, "The Hate Speech Bill will be discussed in the Assembly. Why are the BJP and its affiliates panicking? It has nothing to do with them."
Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad said the proposed law was in line with existing legal frameworks. "For everything there is a law, so we are also getting it. What is wrong with that?" he asked.
Echoing similar views, Minister Madhu Bangarappa emphasised the responsible use of social media. "Social media should be used properly. Putting out wrong information on social media should be punishable," he said.
The Karnataka state government has introduced the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill (Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2025) in the assembly. The opposition parties have opposed this bill.
The state government is taking steps to curb hate speech. That is why the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill has been introduced in the session. This is a bill that has been hotly debated in the political circles for the past few days.
The state government, which has moved to ban those who make hate speech on the basis of religion, race, language, place of birth, caste, and gender, had introduced the 'Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill' in the session on December 10.
Hate speech on the basis of religion, race, language, place of birth, caste, or gender falls under the ambit of hate crime.
It also includes incitement with the intention of causing any kind of emotional, mental, physical, social, or economic harm. Broadcasting, publishing, and promoting hate speech is also a crime. Promoting or inciting hate speech is also a crime. Under this bill, a ban has been imposed on promoting or promoting hatred through any media. If the person making the hate speech is in a position of responsibility, a case can also be filed against the organisation or institution.
The government has clarified that this bill does not target any specific political party or community, saying that it will maintain social harmony in the state and prevent the spread of hatred.
This law will be applicable no matter which government comes to power in the future, and it has warned that leaders of organisations, political leaders and every individual should be careful while speaking on forums and social media.
Under this bill, those who make hate speech will be punished with imprisonment for one year to seven years. If the same crime is repeated, they will be punished with imprisonment for two years to ten years and a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The government has said that such acts will be considered non-bailable offences. (ANI)