Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 11: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday sought to clear the air over the status of the Hate Speech Prevention Bill, stating that the Governor has neither rejected nor returned the legislation, contrary to speculation doing the rounds.

Speaking to mediapersons in Mangaluru, the chief minister said the Bill had been passed unanimously by the Legislature and remains pending with the Governor, who has not rejected it, returned it, or accorded assent so far. “When the Governor calls for it, we will explain the Bill to him in detail,” Siddaramaiah said.

Turning to the Ballari banner removal controversy, Siddaramaiah recalled that during a discussion in the Legislative Assembly on illegal mining in Ballari, the Reddy brothers and former chief inister B S mYediyurappa had challenged him to visit Ballari if he had the courage. “It was in response to that challenge that the padayatra was undertaken,” he said, questioning the BJP’s criticism of the march.

The chief minister also questioned the need to remove a banner put up for the inauguration of the Maharshi Valmiki statue in Ballari, stating that its removal had triggered the incident. He alleged that G Janardhana Reddy and B Sriramulu were acting out of jealousy after losing their positions.