On December 25, BJP members in Kalaburagi staged a protest against the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2025. They said the law would harm freedom of expression and could be misused to target political opponents. BJP leaders like former MP Umesh Jadhav, legislators Basavaraj Mattimod and Avinash Jadhav, and ex-MLA Rajkumar Patil Telkur joined the protest outside the Deputy Commissioner's office. Party workers shouted slogans against the Congress-led Karnataka government and called for the Bill to be withdrawn immediately. Dr. Jadhav stated, "The proposed Bill posed a serious threat to democratic values and constitutional rights." He added, "The proposed law was vague, politically motivated and aimed at silencing voices that question the ruling government." The protesters clarified that BJP is not against curbing hate speech or preserving communal harmony. However, they warned the Bill could be misused to harass social activists and opposition leaders under the guise of public order. They said the legislation lacked clarity and safeguards and could weaken democratic discussion. The BJP vowed to continue protests across the district to raise public awareness about the Bill's risks. They submitted a memorandum to the district administration addressed to the Governor, requesting reconsideration of the Bill.