Hassan District Administration Prohibits VHP Leader Entry, BJP Draws Emergency Parallels
The Hassan district administration in Karnataka has sparked controversy by barring a prominent Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader from entering the district, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which likened it to repressive measures reminiscent of the Emergency era.
Administrative Order Cites Provocative Speeches
Hassan Deputy Commissioner K S Latha Kumari issued an order prohibiting the entry of Sharan Pumpwell, the Joint Secretary of VHP for South Karnataka. The decision was based on multiple cases registered against Pumpwell for delivering speeches deemed provocative and likely to incite communal tensions.
The order referenced a letter from the Hassan Superintendent of Police dated January 22, invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent Pumpwell's entry. Pumpwell was scheduled to participate as a key speaker in Hindu Samajotsava events at Shravanabelagola and Arsikere in Hassan district on Sunday.
The administrative order explicitly stated, "Sharan Pumpwell, who is inspired by right-wing ideology, has a tendency to make provocative speeches," highlighting concerns that his addresses could disrupt communal harmony in the region.
BJP Slams Decision as Cowardly and Repressive
Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra swiftly condemned the administration's move, sharing the deputy commissioner's order on social media platform X. He accused the state government of "extreme cowardice" and alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's policies were trampling upon the religious freedom and freedom of speech of Hindus.
Vijayendra remarked, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's repressive policies trampling upon the religious freedom and freedom of speech of Hindus evoke memories of the Emergency era." This comparison to the 1975-77 Emergency, a period marked by widespread civil liberties suspensions, underscores the BJP's strong opposition to the decision.
Police Notice to BJP Leader Adds to Tensions
In a related development, the police served a notice to BJP leader Vikas Puttur ahead of his participation in a Hindu Samajotsava event at Tarikere in Chikkamagaluru district on Saturday. The notice advised Puttur to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Anti-Hate Speech Bill, which has been passed by the state legislature but is still awaiting the Governor's assent.
The police warning stated that failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in "suitable legal action." It specifically urged Puttur to avoid hurting the sentiments of other communities and to refrain from delivering speeches that could provoke hate or attacks against any groups.
Opposition Leader Questions Democratic Norms
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka came to Puttur's defense, questioning whether Karnataka was functioning as "a democracy or a police state?" Ashoka pointed out that the Anti-Hate Speech Bill has not yet been officially notified or implemented, making the police's use of it in the notice particularly contentious.
Ashoka alleged, "If the police are threatening Opposition workers by citing a Bill that hasn't even been officially implemented yet, it is clear evidence of how police stations in the state have transformed into Congress party offices." He further accused the Congress-led government of being prejudiced against Hindus in Karnataka, intensifying the political rhetoric surrounding these incidents.
These developments highlight ongoing tensions in Karnataka regarding freedom of speech, communal harmony, and the use of administrative and legal measures to regulate public discourse. The BJP's strong reaction and comparisons to historical repressive periods suggest that this issue may escalate further in the state's political landscape.
