Anti-Hate Speech Bill neither rejected nor returned: Siddaramaiah
Chief Minister reacts strongly to BJP padyatra and Ballari incident

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the proposed Anti-Hate Speech Bill has neither been rejected nor returned, nor signed, by the Governor. He said the Bill was passed unanimously in the State Assembly, and whenever the Governor seeks clarification, the government will present its position in full detail.

Speaking to the media in Mangaluru on Tuesday, the Chief Minister, responding to questions about the BJP’s proposed padyatra from Ballari, said that the Congress had undertaken a padyatra in the past when the serious issue of illegal mining in Ballari had come to light. He recalled that during discussions in the Assembly at that time, the Reddy brothers and B.S. Yediyurappa had issued challenges.

He questioned on what grounds the BJP now intends to take out a padyatra under the present circumstances.

Reacting strongly to the removal of a banner related to the unveiling of Maharshi Valmiki’s statue in Ballari, Siddaramaiah asked, “What was the need to remove the banner at all? This very action later became the reason for provoking the incident.”

He alleged that Janardhana Reddy and B. Sriramulu, having lost their political relevance, are making irresponsible statements out of jealousy and frustration.

The Chief Minister also firmly dismissed speculation about his position, stating, “There is no internal conflict within the government regarding the Chief Minister’s post. These are media-fabricated stories with no basis in reality.”

He added that the Congress government is functioning with full stability and remains focused on addressing public issues.