Bengaluru erupted in political discourse today as Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced a significant pause in the rollout of the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025. The state governor has flagged concerns over 28 provisions in the legislation, forwarding it to the President for deeper scrutiny.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara emphasized the bill’s intent to curb inflammatory rhetoric that disrupts social harmony. ‘Freedom of speech doesn’t grant a license to insult communities or launch personal attacks that breed unrest,’ he stated firmly. He pointed to recent incidents where speeches ignited tensions, underscoring the urgent need for such a law.
The minister remained optimistic about revisions. ‘If the President sends it back with observations, we’ll make the necessary amendments and resubmit it,’ he assured. This development comes amid heightened debates on balancing expression with public safety in India’s diverse society.
Shifting gears, Parameshwara addressed the tragic suicide of industrialist CJ Roy, revealing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to dispel rumors. ‘Let the SIT report clarify roles in this matter,’ he urged, calling for patience.
On the Union Budget 2026, the minister didn’t hold back criticism. Labeling it the weakest of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s nine budgets, he lamented unmet expectations for growth, agriculture, and industry. ‘People hoped for real development, but got disappointment,’ he said, contrasting it with past initiatives like MGNREGA under former PM Manmohan Singh.
Karnataka received no major projects, he noted, with the budget’s 53.50 lakh crore allocation including a whopping 16 lakh crore in borrowings. ‘They lecture us in the assembly while drowning in debt—what has the public truly gained?’ Parameshwara questioned. He slammed the neglect of irrigation, infrastructure, and education, mocking token measures like reduced plastic and firecracker prices over promised IITs and AIIMS for the state.
As the state awaits presidential feedback, this saga highlights ongoing tensions between state ambitions and central oversight, with broader implications for hate speech regulations across India.