Hyderabad, December 21, 2025 – In a bid to foster religious harmony and combat divisive rhetoric, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on Saturday that the state government will introduce comprehensive legislation against hate speech during the upcoming budget session of the Assembly. The proposed law, modeled on a similar recently enacted bill in neighboring Karnataka, aims to penalize acts of instigation, provocation, and insults targeting any religion or community, underscoring the principle of "equal rights for all religions."
Speaking at a Christmas celebration event in Hyderabad, Reddy emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding religious liberty while cracking down on those who undermine it. "We will soon bring in legislation on hate speech in the Assembly. Telangana government would ensure the liberty to follow one's religion and equal rights for every religion," he stated, drawing applause from the audience. The Chief Minister highlighted the need for stringent measures, including amendments to existing laws, to ensure swift punishment for offenders who abuse or derogate other faiths.
The announcement comes amid a rising tide of communal tensions across India, with southern states like Karnataka and now Telangana taking proactive steps to address hate speech through targeted legislation. Karnataka's Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, passed earlier this month, serves as a blueprint, imposing penalties for promoting enmity between groups on religious grounds. Reddy explicitly referenced this as inspiration, positioning Telangana's move as a continuation of Congress-led efforts to promote unity in diversity.
### Political Backlash and Support
The proposal has already sparked polarized reactions. BJP leaders have criticized it as a veiled attempt to stifle free speech and favor specific communities. Telangana BJP spokesperson Prakash Reddy accused the government of selective protectionism, stating, "He wants to protect one community," in reference to the CM's focus on religious insults. Nationally, BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh echoed concerns, labeling such bills as contrary to the spirit of free expression inherited from India's founding leaders.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, responding in Lucknow, adopted a cautious tone: "There are many aspects to this. The debate has taken place in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. We will look at these things. Work will be done only according to the provisions of the Constitution." On X (formerly Twitter), critics like journalist Annu Kaushik dubbed it a "blasphemy law," warning of potential misuse to silence dissent.
Conversely, supporters hailed the move as a progressive step toward peace. Congress loyalist Asma Tasleem posted on X, praising the legislation as a check on hate speech akin to Karnataka's. The Hyderabad Intellectuals Forum echoed this, urging Telangana to stay "away from Bigotry & Hatred." Entrepreneur Ankit Mayank celebrated it as a "massive" counter to "fake news & hate speech," predicting discomfort for opposition IT cells.
### Broader Context and Implications
Telangana's initiative aligns with a patchwork of national and state-level efforts to tackle hate speech, often amplified by social media. While the Indian Penal Code already criminalizes acts promoting enmity under Sections 153A and 295A, proponents argue for specialized laws with faster enforcement and harsher deterrents. Reddy's government, in power since late 2023, has prioritized social cohesion, contrasting with northern states' focus on anti-conversion laws, which some southern voices decry as divisive.
As the budget session approaches in early 2026, the bill's drafting will be closely watched. Legal experts anticipate debates over balancing free speech with communal safety, potentially drawing scrutiny from the Supreme Court. For now, the announcement signals Telangana's resolve to position itself as a beacon of interfaith tolerance in a fractious national landscape.
This report is compiled from official statements and public reactions as of December 21, 2025.
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