Shivamogga/Bengaluru, 2 Feb

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra on Monday criticised the Congress government over the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, terming it “flawed” and aimed at suppressing the Opposition. He backed Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s decision to send the bill to President Droupadi Murmu for consideration.

Addressing reporters, Vijayendra allegedthe legislation was rushed through during the Belagavi winter session without proper discussion and warned it threatened free speech. “In Tarikere, our activist Vikas Puttur was served a notice before even speaking,” he said. He cited other instances, including arrests of Bajrang Dal’s Sharan Pumpwell and activist Punit Kerehalli, claiming selective enforcement by the Siddaramaiah government.

Vijayendra also accused the state administration of fiscal mismanagement, claiming guarantee schemes were underfunded and excise revenue targets were inflated. He questioned the Congress government’s confrontations with the Centre and called for balanced development across districts.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in theKarnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, alleged the Siddaramaiah government is “immersed in corruption” and the state administration is in a “coma” due to a power tussle between the CM and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. Speaking during the motion of thanks to the governor’s address, he criticised the Congress for using the Assembly session for political purposes instead of addressing public issues.

Ashoka also slammed the renaming of Ramanagara district and accused the government of displaying “allergy” to the name Ram. He highlighted rising corruption, non-payment of Rs 37,370 crore in contractor bills, and rampant middleman activity in the Urban DevelopmentDepartment.