Mangaluru: Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Shetty Y on Wednesday strongly criticised the Congress-led State government over the proposed anti–hate speech Bill, alleging that it is being introduced to suppress the voices of the Opposition, journalists and social media users. Addressing a protest organised by the Mangaluru North Assembly constituency unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he accused the government of using the legislation as a political weapon rather than as a genuine measure to maintain harmony.
Allegation of suppressing Opposition voices
Speaking at the protest, Dr Shetty said the proposed Bill was aimed at silencing those who question or expose what he termed as the failures of the Congress government. He alleged that the legislation would be selectively used against Opposition leaders, party workers and independent voices who criticise the ruling party.
“The government is afraid of criticism. This Bill is not about curbing hate speech, but about curbing dissent,” he said. Dr Shetty expressed strong resentment over the manner in which the Bill was passed, claiming that it was pushed through the House without adequate debate or discussion.
According to him, such a move undermines democratic values and weakens the role of the legislature. “When laws that directly affect freedom of speech are passed without proper discussion, it raises serious concerns about the government’s intentions,” he added.
‘Dark and dangerous face’ of the Bill
The MLA alleged that the anti–hate speech Bill has what he described as a “dark and dangerous face”. He claimed that the provisions of the Bill empower the police to register cases and directly jail individuals without sufficient safeguards.
Dr Shetty warned that the law could be misused against a wide range of people, including social media users, journalists, and citizens expressing their views in public. He further alleged that even those raising patriotic slogans or chanting the names of Hindu deities could be targeted under the proposed legislation.
“This Bill gives unchecked powers to the police. Anyone can be booked, and people can be sent to jail merely for expressing their views,” he alleged, calling it a serious threat to civil liberties.
Fear of pre-emptive action against programmes
Dr Shetty further claimed that the Bill would allow the police to take pre-emptive action by filing cases against key speakers even before an event takes place. According to him, this could result in speakers being prevented from participating in protests, public meetings and even religious programmes.
He alleged that such provisions would enable authorities to stop events in advance, thereby stifling public discourse and peaceful protest. “This is nothing but an attempt to control public opinion and silence voices that do not align with the government’s narrative,” he said.
BJP’s opposition to the Bill
Describing the proposed law as an attempt to curb freedom of expression and appease a particular section of society, Dr Shetty asserted that the BJP strongly opposes the anti–hate speech Bill. He said the party would continue to raise its voice both inside and outside the legislature against what it considers an unconstitutional and oppressive law.
Dr Shetty also declared that the BJP would stand firmly with its workers, leaders and supporters if the law is misused against them. “If our workers are targeted using this Bill, the party will stand by them and fight it legally and democratically,” he said.
Protest attended by party leaders
The protest witnessed the participation of BJP mandal president Kottari, former corporators of the Mangaluru City Corporation, and several party leaders and workers from the Mangaluru North Assembly constituency. Party workers raised slogans opposing the Bill and demanded that the government withdraw or reconsider the legislation.
Conclusion: The protest reflects growing political opposition to the proposed anti–hate speech Bill, with the BJP alleging that it threatens free speech and democratic rights. As the debate intensifies, the Bill is expected to remain a contentious issue in Karnataka’s political landscape.