Shivamogga (Karnataka), Feb 2 (NationPress) - Accusing the Congress-led administration of rushing through the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, during the Belagavi Winter Session without adequate discourse, BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra asserted that the Bill was introduced with the primary goal of stifling the Opposition.

Addressing reporters on Monday, Vijayendra reacted to inquiries regarding the Governor withholding assent to the Bill, expressing that the legislation poses a threat to democracy. He noted, “Due to this law, our Hindu activist Vikas Puttur in Tarikere was interrupted by police before he could even start his address, receiving a notice threatening arrest if he proceeded,” he claimed.

He further alleged that Bajrang Dal activist Sharan Pumpwell has been restricted from crossing district borders in Dakshina Kannada. In Bengaluru, Puneeth Kerehalli was detained despite reportedly identifying illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, a task he argued should have been performed by the police.

He claimed that previously, individuals involved in illegal cattle transport were prosecuted under existing laws, leading to vehicle seizures and imprisonment. “The Siddaramaiah government even sought to introduce legislation that would allow station bail for those arrested in such situations,” he charged.

Vijayendra remarked that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously attempted to fracture society by raising the issue of a distinct Veerashaiva-Lingayat identity. “Now, to mask his shortcomings, he is attempting to set the state against the Centre by alleging that the Union government has wronged Karnataka and the southern states. He aims to portray himself as the leader of South India,” he criticized.

He added that such a divisive perspective is detrimental, not only for Siddaramaiah but also for Karnataka and the nation’s development.

Commenting on the Congress-led government’s protest in Delhi under the slogan “Our tax, our right,” Vijayendra questioned the financial management of the Karnataka government.

He suggested that Siddaramaiah, in his capacity as Finance Minister, has failed to gather funds for the government’s guarantee schemes and has raised the excise department’s revenue target to Rs 40,000 crore, which could result in an increase in liquor consumption. “What will happen if they besiege Vidhana Soudha tomorrow, chanting ‘our tax, our right’?” he queried.

Vijayendra emphasized that the Centre has not committed any injustice against Karnataka. “If there were minor disagreements, the state government should have sought to persuade the Centre instead of staging protests,” he stated.

He pointed out that Bengaluru generates the highest tax revenue in the state and questioned the fate of districts like Raichur, Koppal, Belagavi, and Shivamogga if all tax revenue from Bengaluru is funneled solely into the city.

As Finance Minister, Siddaramaiah ought to focus on the comprehensive growth of the state, Vijayendra asserted.

He concluded by stating that while Karnataka and Maharashtra contribute substantial tax amounts, it does not imply that Karnataka is being deprived. “Karnataka has received its fair share,” he affirmed.

He accused the government of inadequately executing its guarantee schemes due to financial limitations and contended that the government has confined itself to the current predicament because of its lack of funds.