Ktaka CM cracks down on hate speech, orders FIR against RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat
Siddaramaiah also addressed leadership change rumors, stating his commitment to a full five-year term, with the final decision resting with the party's high command.
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared a firm stance against provocative speeches that aim to divide society, incite hatred, and disrupt peace. Speaking to the media at Mangalore Airport, the Chief Minister announced that cases will be registered against anyone found delivering such divisive rhetoric.
This declaration follows an incident involving Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, a prominent religious leader, whose recent speech at a Deepotsava programme in Uppalige, Dakshina Kannada district, on October 20th, has been deemed provocative and derogatory towards women, with allegations that it could disturb communal harmony.
"Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has spoken disrespectfully to women in his speech. An FIR will be registered against those who make such hate-filled speeches," CM Siddaramaiah said.
Bhat has been summoned by the police to appear on October 30th. The notice, served at his residence, relates to Case No. 118/2025, filed under Sections 79, 196, 299, 302, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the police sources, the inquiry will be conducted under Section 35(3) of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
While speaking to the reporters, the Karnataka Chief Minister also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding mysterious deaths and burials in Dharmasthala. He affirmed that the state government will not interfere with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter. "We will not intervene in the SIT investigation of the Dharmasthala case. Home Minister has informed that the SIT has stated it will submit the report by the end of this month," he added.
The controversy erupted after a complainant, later identified as C N Chinnaiah and subsequently arrested for perjury, alleged the burial of numerous bodies, including those of women showing signs of sexual assault, in Dharmasthala over the past two decades, with implications reportedly pointing towards the administrators of the local temple. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had earlier stated that the SIT has been instructed to expedite the submission of its final report at the earliest.
When asked about the speculation about a potential change in leadership in Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained his commitment to completing a full five-year term.
He acknowledged the democratic right of individuals to aspire for the Chief Minister's position, but emphasised that the ultimate decision rests with the party's high command. "In democracy, everyone has the right to aspire for the Chief Minister's position. However, the final decision on this matter rests with the high command. Even whether I continue as Chief Minister will ultimately be the high command's decision," he remarked.
When questioned about his close associate and former minister K N Rajanna's statement that Siddaramaiah should continue as CM for five years, the Chief Minister described it as a "personal opinion."