BJP, Hindu Groups Oppose ‘Hate Speech’ Bills in Telangana and Karnataka, Warn of Curbs on Free Speech

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several Hindu organisations have mounted strong opposition to proposed and recently passed “hate speech” legislations in Telangana and Karnataka , warning that such laws could curb free speech , enable political targeting , and undermine religious liberty .

In Karnataka, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has urged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to withhold assent to the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 , calling it unconstitutional and a serious threat to freedom of expression . The organisation flagged vague and overbroad definitions of “hate speech” and “hate crime,” the shifting of the burden of proof onto the accused, and provisions making speech-related offences cognisable and non-bailable . It also warned that the Bill could adversely affect Hindu religious discourse and grant wide powers to police and executive authorities , including the blocking of online content without adequate judicial oversight .

In Telangana, the BJP has strongly opposed the Congress government’s proposed anti-hate speech law. Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao alleged that the legislation is being introduced not in public interest but to silence political opponents . He argued that the proposed law could be selectively enforced , targeting BJP leaders and workers while overlooking objectionable remarks made by ruling party leaders, thereby weakening democratic values and the fundamental right to free expression .

Opponents have also drawn parallels with similar hate speech regulations introduced or proposed in the UK and the European Union , where civil liberties groups have raised concerns about state overreach . Globally, free speech advocates including Elon Musk have been vocal in opposing such laws, warning that they risk criminalising opinion and dissent under the pretext of maintaining social harmony.

Critics maintain that while preventing incitement to violence is essential, loosely framed hate speech laws risk creating a chilling effect on legitimate political, religious, and scholarly expression.