Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
1. Legislative Assembly passes hate speech bill, while BJP members protest against Byrathi Suresh’s remark
The Legislative Assembly, on December 18, passed the bill on preventing hate speech and hate crimes, while members of the Opposition were on a protest over a Minister’s remark. After Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara introduced it, Leader of Opposition R. Ashok was sharing his comments opposing the Bill.
Meanwhile, Minister for Urban Development B.S. Suresh (Byrathi) intervened to question why he (Ashok) was against the bill. When a section of BJP members, including Vedavyasa Kamath, ‘Cement’ Manju, objected to Mr. Suresh’s comments. Mr. Suresh made a remark on BJP MLAs representing the coastal region.
Even as the Opposition MLAs staged a protest in the well of the House, Mr. Parameshwara sought the support of the House for the Bill. The members of the BJP were in a surprise as the Bill was passed, without them being able to join the discussion. The Speaker adjourned the House for lunch, declaring that the Bill had been passed.
2. BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accuses Minister Krishna Byregowda of landgrab
Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy has accused Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda of landgrab. Mr Narayanaswamy alleged that the Minister had grabbed 21 acres of land in Garudanapalya of Narasupura hobli in Kolar district. He alleged that, using his authority, the Minister had got the graveyard land registered in his name.
He demanded that Mr. Byregowda immediately resign and the government should hold an inquiry. He claimed that the land of 21.16 acres in question is worth around ₹100 crore. In his response, Krishna Byregowda rubbished allegation and said he was ready for any kind of inquiry.
3. Told to fund expansion of Konkan Railway network or relinquish share, Karnataka insists on better exit option
The Karnataka Government said though it is willing to relinquish its stake in Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, a joint venture of Railway Ministry and other four State governments, to pave the way for its merger with Indian Railways, the Railway Ministry is yet to offer a better exit option.
Responding to a call to attention motion by Kundapura MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi in the Legislative Assembly on behalf of Infrastructure Development Minister M. B. Patil in Belagavi, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said Karnataka holds about 11% share in KRCL. At the present rate, the value of shares is about ₹270 crore. The government of Karnataka had asked the Ministry to offer a better exit option, but so far there was no response, Mr. Gowda said.
4. Three held for gang-rape of college student in Bengaluru South District
Bengaluru South District police arrested three men on December 17 for allegedly raping a woman from their village and recording the act on camera. The trio later shared the clip among themselves. According to the police, Vikas, the prime accused, allegedly developed a friendship with the woman and promised to marry her. He established a physical relationship with the woman.
The accused allegedly filmed the act without the knowledge of the woman and showed the clip to the two other accused. In October, Vikas allegedly threatened the victim with the same video clip and sexually assaulted her along with the two other accused, which was also filmed. The video was later leaked by one of the accused and was circulated on WhatsApp.
Published – December 18, 2025 06:24 pm IST
