BJP opposes hate speech Bill as party indulges in provocative speeches: CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that the BJP is opposing hate speech legislation passed by the state legislature, as the saffron party is allegedly involved in making hateful and provocative speeches.
He said the government has brought in the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill to maintain peace and brotherhood in society and to put an end to hate speeches.
The Bill has been passed by both houses of the state legislature, amid BJP and JD(S)' strong opposition, during the winter session in Belagavi that concluded on December 19. It will now be sent to the Governor for his assent, for the Bill to become law.
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The BJP, which has termed the Bill as "draconian", "direct attack on free speech" and "dangerous tool for political vendetta", has written to the Governor of Karnataka not to give assent to the Bill.
"Only those making hate and provocative speech will oppose (the Bill). If you don't make such speeches, why will some file a criminal case against you?" Siddaramaiah told reporters in response to a question.
Asking as to why the BJP is worried, he said, the proposed legislation is applicable to everyone, whether they are from the Congress, BJP, JD(S) or any other party.
"Why are you (BJP) opposing? Will there be peace in society if there are hate speeches? To maintain peace and brotherhood in society, this Bill has been brought. Hate speeches have increased in recent days, so to prohibit them, we have taken this step," he added.
Asked as to why the BJP is opposed to the Bill, the CM said, "It means that they are making provocative speeches."
The Bill proposes a jail term of one year, extendable up to seven years, with a fine of Rs 50,000 for a hate crime. For repeated offences, the maximum imprisonment will be seven years, with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Stating that the funds under the "Gruha Lakshmi" scheme have not been released to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries for the months of February and March, Siddaramaiah said, "We are examining its release."
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Rs 2,000 monthly assistance is being paid to the woman head of every family under the Gruha Lakshmi.
To a question on BJP targeting the government regarding the non-release of funds, Siddaramaiah said, "Is BJP giving (funds) to target us? ...we have given money to beneficiaries for 23 months so far, can we give it without having funds? Is it possible to misappropriate the money when money is paid directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts?"
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Committee constituted to examine on holding matches at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said that a committee has been constituted to examine giving permissions to hold cricket matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium here.
He said Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has sought permission to hold Vijay Hazare Trophy match at the stadium without allowing the spectators for now.
The minister held a meeting with KSCA office bearers, senior officials and police officers at the Vidhana Soudha, regarding holding cricket matches at the stadium.
Major matches were stopped at the Chinnaswamy Stadium after a stampede had occurred outside it, during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebration on June 4, in which 11 people died.
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"We have formed a committee headed by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) commissioner. The committee consists of the police commissioner, PWD, Fire and Health department officials, who will visit the stadium and give feedback," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, permission has been sought by the KSCA for the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Also, permissions have been sought for IPL matches, for which there is time.
"Vijay Hazare match is on December 24. The KSCA has requested for permissions without allowing spectators, only matches will be held. A committee has been constituted, which will visit the stadium and give me feedback after examining things there, based on which we will make a decision."
Noting that Bengaluru City Police Commissioner had already written a letter to KSCA stating that it is necessary to follow the 17-point recommendations, the home minister said the committee will review what has been completed and inform the government.
He said that KSCA has said that it will comply with the recommendations.
The committee on Monday visited the stadium, official sources said.
