Siddaramaiah rejects speculation of power tussle, addresses Ballari Violence and Hate Speech Bill

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah dismissed power tussle talk, clarified Hate Speech Bill status, and blamed banner removal for Ballari unrest

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday dismissed speculation of a leadership tussle within the ruling Congress party. He clarified that there was no contest for the Chief Minister’s chair and described the claims as unfounded and media-driven. The remarks came in response to a BJP social media post suggesting that internal disputes over the leadership would resurface after Sankranti.

On the issue of the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill 2025, Siddaramaiah stated that the legislation had been unanimously passed in the state legislature and had not been rejected by the Governor. He explained that the Governor had neither returned nor given assent to the Bill, and the government was prepared to provide clarifications when called upon.

Addressing the BJP’s plans to hold a march condemning recent violence in Ballari, the Chief Minister noted that political marches were not unusual. He recalled that the Congress had previously organized a padayatre to Ballari after Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde’s report highlighted rampant illegal mining and described the district as a “Republic of Ballari.” Siddaramaiah had led that march after objections were raised in the assembly by the Reddy brothers and then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

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Commenting on the recent unrest in Ballari, Siddaramaiah attributed the incident to the removal of a banner that had been erected for the unveiling of the Maharshi Valmiki statue. He questioned the necessity of removing the banner and alleged that former ministers Janardhan Reddy and Sriramulu were acting out of jealousy following their loss of political influence in the region.

By addressing these issues, Siddaramaiah sought to reinforce the stability of his government while highlighting the political context behind the Ballari violence and the pending Hate Speech Bill.

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