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The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP Brings in ‘Security' Law That Could Silence Dissent in Maharashtra
Published : Jul 16, 2025 07:36 IST - 5 MINS READ Days after the ruling BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra observed the 50th anniversary of the Emergency and the curtailment of freedoms it entailed, the Maha Yuti government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024, by voice vote in the Legislative Assembly on July 10. The irony is stark: the same party that declared June 25 as 'Constitution Murder Day' now wields a law that critics describe as the gravest threat to freedom of expression in Maharashtra. While tabling the Bill, Fadnavis warned of 'urban Maoist networks' brainwashing youth, professionals, and civil servants. 'Maoists were trying to brainwash the youth of the urban areas and make them stand up against the democratic system of the country,' he said. The statement of objects claims that 'the menace of Naxalism is not only limited to remote areas of the Naxal-affected States, but its presence is increasing in the urban areas also through the Naxal front organisations'. The MSPS Bill empowers the State government to declare any suspect 'organisation' as an 'unlawful organisation'. Four offences can trigger action: membership of such organisations, fundraising on their behalf, managing or assisting them, and committing unlawful activities. Also Read | Why Maharashtra withdrew its Hindi language mandate in schools Punishments range from two to seven years' imprisonment and fines from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. These offences are cognisable and non-bailable, allowing arrest without a warrant. The Bill defines 'unlawful activity' broadly as any act that 'constitutes a danger or menace to public order, peace and tranquillity' or interferes 'with the administration of law'. The definition potentially encompasses satyagraha, civil disobedience, and peaceful protests—constitutionally protected forms of democratic expression. The Bill's journey First introduced during the 2024 monsoon session by then Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, the Bill was revived after the Maha Yuti returned to power in November 2024. A joint select committee, headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, held five meetings between March 4 and June 26 and received over 12,500 suggestions and objections. Civil society groups, including the Maharashtra chapter of the Bharat Jodo Abhiyan and the People's Union for Civil Liberties, urged that the Bill be withdrawn entirely. Others questioned its intent, calling it a precursor to authoritarianism. The committee recommended three amendments: changing the title to specify 'Left Wing Extremist organisations or similar organisations'; mandating an advisory board comprising three High Court judges or qualified persons; and raising the rank of the investigating officer from sub-inspector to Deputy Superintendent of Police. Pushback for the Bill In the Assembly, only CPI(M) MLA Vinod Nikole opposed the Bill outright, calling it 'draconian'. Rohit Pawar of the NCP (Sharad Pawar) expressed concern over its potential misuse. Fadnavis assured that political and social activists would not be targeted, and that the right to protest would remain protected. Congress leader Nitin Raut referred to the controversial Bhima Koregaon case of 2018, in which several people were arrested under the 'urban naxal' label. Despite this, the Opposition offered little resistance during the Assembly proceedings. The silence shocked civil society activists who had been protesting the Bill for over a year. Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress leaders had attended a June 28 rally in Mumbai against the Bill. But it was only when the legislation reached the Legislative Council that Congress and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) actively objected. Congress leaders Satej Patil and Abhijit Vanjari condemned the Bill as an assault on democratic rights. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab gave a detailed speech highlighting its flaws. Vanjari questioned why only Left-wing extremism was targeted, while Right-wing extremism was ignored. Thackeray labelled it 'not Jan Suraksha but BJP Suraksha Bill'. Despite objections, the Bill was passed owing to the government's numerical strength in both Houses. Opposition members of the Council submitted an eight-page memorandum to the Governor urging him to withhold assent. The urban naxal propaganda machine The 'urban naxal' narrative has long been promoted by BJP sympathisers and Right-wing ideologues. Recent protests—against the CAA-NRC (Citizenship (Amendment) Act-National Register of Citizens), the farm laws, and others—were also branded 'Urban Naxal' conspiracies. The Bhima Koregaon case is the most cited example. Sixteen individuals, including political scientist Anand Teltumbde, activist Sudha Bharadwaj, and 84-year-old Father Stan Swamy, were arrested. Swamy died in custody on July 5, 2021, after being repeatedly denied bail despite suffering from Parkinson's disease. Another example is that of Professor G.N. Saibaba, a Delhi University academic and human rights activist, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court. He was acquitted twice by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court—in October 2022 and March 2024—after spending nearly a decade in jail. Saibaba died on October 12, 2024, while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad. Politics over law Several existing laws already address unlawful activities. Congress MLC Abhijit Vanjari questioned the rationale behind the MSPS Bill: 'The Union Home Minister claims that the Naxal movement is nearly defeated, with only 28 per cent remaining. If true, under which law has this been achieved?' Also Read | As Maharashtra waits to be counted, politics is already doing the math Fadnavis, however, has pushed forward with legislation targeting alleged urban maoists. Sanjay M.G. of the National Alliance for People's Movements said, 'This law is to suppress future protests against the loot of India. The BJP's development model is being resisted—whether it is the redevelopment of Dharavi or mineral exploitation in Vidarbha. People will not stay silent, so this law is meant to silence them.' Vivek Korde, a senior social activist, cited a 2024 report by the Centre for the Study of Organised Hate, which showed that Maharashtra leads in hate speech cases, over 90 per cent of which involve Right-wing leaders. 'If Fadnavis truly cared about law and order, he would legislate against hate speech and violence,' he said. Civil society is planning large-scale protests. 'We are organising protest programmes across Maharashtra,' said Ulka Mahajan of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan. 'This is clearly an anti-people Bill aimed at stopping people from asserting their rights.' Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar announced plans to challenge the law in court. 'This law is draconian and unconstitutional. We are going to fight it legally,' he said. Maharashtra has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons—rampant corruption, MLA hooliganism, violent language protests, and crumbling infrastructure. The passage of the law marks yet another step in the State's steady descent.
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Gujarat Confidential: Lot's in a name
Last week, the Gujarat government observed June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day) to commemorate the 50th year of imposition of Emergency in the country. The function was attended by former judge of Gujarat High Court, Justice (retired) R R Tripathi. In his speech, Justice Tripathi detailed how 'terrible the situation was in the country' when the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) was put in force under which 'anybody could be put behind bars'. In this context, Tripathi cited the example of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and said, 'Lalu Prasad Yadav had named his daughter Misa…To remember the MISA legislation, he (Yadav) named his daughter as Misa,' Tripathi said. The function was attended by CM Bhupendra Patel and senior minister Rushikesh Patel among others. A Question of Legacy Following the tragic death of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the Ahmedabad plane crash, political circles in Gandhinagar are abuzz with the question of who would be the successor of the senior BJP leader's political legacy. Following his demise, Rupani was accorded full honours by the state government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah remained present at the funeral ceremony amid rains while standing by the Rupani family in Rajkot. A political observer of state politics said that considering Rupani's popularity that the party witnessed after his death, it remains to be seen who succeeds his political legacy. Rupani's son, Rushabh, has exhibited impressive maturity in his public appearances after his father's death, the observer added.
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First Post
29-06-2025
- Health
- First Post
PM Modi slams Congress for Emergency, plays archives of Vajpayee, Desai in Mann Ki Baat
PM Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday (29 June), criticised the Congress for imposing the Emergency 50 years ago. He called it a dark chapter in India's history and played old speeches of Morarji Desai, Vajpayee who spoke about the struggles people faced during that time. read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday (29 June) during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. During his address, he criticised the Congress party and its then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for imposing the Emergency, as the dark phase completed 50 years on 26 June this year. He said the country had marked 50 years since the Emergency was imposed just a few days ago and observed it as Samvidhan Hatya Divas (Constitution Murder Day). 'We must remember those who bravely fought against the Emergency. This inspires us to remain vigilant to safeguard our Constitution,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking about the Emergency imposed in 1975, he said, 'Those who imposed the Emergency not only murdered the spirit of the Constitution but also tried to suppress the judiciary like puppets.' The Prime Minister also played archival audio recordings of leaders such as Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Jagjivan Ram, who spoke about the hardships faced by people during the Emergency. In his speech, he also spoke about International Yoga Day, observed on 21 June, which saw millions participating across India. 'We saw many mesmerising images of the celebration. In Visakhapatnam, three lakh people practised yoga together on the beach. Another incredible sight was over 2,000 tribal students performing 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes. Imagine the discipline needed. A grand display of yoga was also held on our naval ships,' PM Modi said. India declared trachoma-free PM Modi also shared that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared India free of trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can cause blindness. 'I am delighted to share that WHO has declared India free of trachoma. This is the success of our health workers. The Jal Jeevan Mission has contributed to this achievement,' he said. Growth in social security coverage The Prime Minister noted that, according to an International Labour Organization (ILO) report, 64 per cent of India's population now has access to social security—nearly four times higher than during the previous Congress-led government. 'The ILO report states that 64 per cent of the population definitely has access to social security. Nearly 95 crore people are benefiting from these schemes, compared to fewer than 25 crore in 2015,' PM Modi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
India Today
29-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Making full efforts: Biren Singh says BJP working to restore government in Manipur
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday said that full-fledged efforts are in progress to reinstate a popular government in the state amid persistent political uncertainty and a strong public demand for peace and to the media after a crucial BJP meeting at Thambal Sanglen, chaired by BJP Manipur President A Sarda Devi, Biren Singh said that the BJP is committed to resolving the ongoing crisis. 'The BJP never criticises any political party. Our sole focus is to resolve the crisis and bring peace and stability to the state,' he the absence of gunfights over the last eight to nine months, he highlighted that the situation in Manipur has shown signs of improvement. Biren attributed this progress to the persistent efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in restoring peace to the violence-affected region. 'The issue of illegal immigrants and drug trafficking has severely impacted not just Manipur but the entire Northeast. Now, people are beginning to understand the gravity of these problems,' he Singh also underlined the BJP's ongoing push to form an elected government in the state, reflecting the aspirations of the people. 'We are trying to form a popular government at the earliest,' he state president A Sarda Devi backed Biren's remarks, saying that the party has conveyed the people's demand for a representative government to the Centre. 'In the coming days, all constitutional procedures will be taken up by the central government,' she asked about internal rifts within the BJP, Sarda Devi said, 'Whether there is fraction or unity within the BJP will become clear in time. Slow and steady wins the race.'She criticised the Congress for politicising the crisis, saying, 'This is not the time for elections. Our priority is to restore peace and normalcy. We must understand the pulse of the people of Manipur and work collectively.'On the recent observance of Sambhidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day), Sarda attacked the Congress for its role during the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975. 'During the Emergency, civil liberties were curbed, the media was silenced, and opposition leaders were jailed,' she to allegations of press suppression under BJP rule, she countered that it was the Congress that jailed journalists during the Emergency. 'The Emergency was imposed to cling to power after Indira Gandhi's election was declared null and void by the Allahabad High Court,' she said, adding that the BJP did not exist at the time it was the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Manipur
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
BJP working hard to bring back elected govt in Manipur: Biren Singh
IMPHAL: Former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Friday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is doing everything it can to restore peace and bring back a 'popular government' in the northeastern state. Former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh. (ANI) 'We are not fighting any political party. Our only aim is to end the crisis and bring peace to the state,' he told the media after attending a BJP meeting at Thambal Sanglen in Imphal, chaired by state BJP president A. Sarda Devi. He said the law and order situation has improved and no gunfights have been reported in the last eight or nine months. He praised Union home minister Amit Shah for working day and night to help bring back normal life. Biren also spoke about the serious problems caused by illegal immigration and drug trafficking. 'People are now beginning to understand how dangerous illegal immigrants and drugs are for Manipur and the Northeast,' he said. He added that the BJP has been asking the Centre to speed up the process of forming a new government. 'We want a government that truly represents the will of the people,' he said. BJP Manipur president A. Sarda Devi said the party has already informed central leaders about the people's strong wish to have an elected government. 'The Centre will take the required constitutional steps soon,' she said. When asked about unity within the party, Sarda said, 'Only time will tell. But we believe slow and steady wins the race.' She said that this is not the right time for political competition. 'Elections are not the priority right now. What matters most is peace and stability. We must act according to what the people want,' she added. Speaking on Sambhidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day), Sarda blamed the Congress for the Emergency declared on June 25, 1975. She said during that time, civil rights were taken away, opposition leaders were jailed, and the media was silenced. She explained that the BJP was not yet formed during the Emergency. It was the Bharatiya Jana Sangh that fought against the authoritarian rule. 'People now accuse the BJP of targeting the media, but back then, journalists were arrested and real press freedom was crushed,' she said. Sarda said peace, unity, and responsible governance are the BJP's main goals in Manipur. The party is working hard to bring back an elected government. When asked whether a new government could be formed before the six-month President's Rule ends, she said 'development will be seen,' but gave no clear answer. President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 after N. Biren Singh resigned as chief minister. Since then, the state assembly has been kept under suspended animation due to ongoing violence and political instability.
