Bengaluru, 12 Jan 

A delegation of Karnataka BJP legislators on Monday urged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot against giving his assent to the Hate Speech Bill, calling it "draconian", and a "direct attack on free speech" and "a tool for political vendetta".

The delegation led by the Leaders of Opposition in both the Legislative Assembly and Council, R Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, respectively, who called on the Governor, also submitted a memorandum demanding a CBI probe into Ballari clashes, and the state government's action in connection with the demolition of illegally constructed houses in Kogilu.

The BJP leaders submitted a petition alleging erosion of law and order, and misuse of police machinery in the state, while highlighting the police’s alleged role in the disrobing of a woman BJP worker in Hubballi.

"We informed the Governor that the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated. Karnataka has become a jungle raj.

As the first citizen of the state and as all government orders are issued under his name, we have requested him to save Karnataka from becoming a goonda state," Ashoka said. Speaking to reporters later, Ashoka alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Speaker U T Khader ensured the passage of the Hate Speech Bill in the Assembly without any discussion.

He said the bill was nothing but a repeat of "cunningness" by the ruling Congress, as it is similar to the imposition of Emergency by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"We have told the Governor that if the assent is given to the bill, it will take away the rights of the media and opposition parties, as the state will turn into a police state," he said.

The BJP leaders further accused the state government of indulging in "Muslim appeasement politics". They questioned the swiftness with which the state government moved to rehabilitate those who had indulged in illegal encroachment.