Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 3: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday strongly defended the recently passed Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, asserting that it is aimed at curbing the threat of Left Wing Extremism and not at silencing critics of the government.
Speaking to the media, Fadnavis made it clear that while criticism and democratic protest are welcome in a free society, those indulging in activities akin to “urban Naxalism” would face stringent action under the new law. “If you act like an urban Naxal, you will be arrested,” he stated, responding to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s challenge over the bill.
The legislation, passed during the recent monsoon session of the state legislature, seeks to prevent unlawful activities by Left Wing Extremist organisations with a particular focus on urban radicalisation and passive militancy. The law includes strict provisions, such as heavy penalties and imprisonment of up to seven years for those found guilty of supporting or participating in such activities.
The bill has been met with sharp criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, who fear it may be used as a tool to curb dissent and democratic protest under the guise of national security.
Fadnavis, however, dismissed such concerns, stating that the intent behind the law was purely to safeguard internal security and prevent extremist ideologies from gaining ground in urban areas. “It is not against demonstrators or those who criticise the government,” he clarified.
He also responded to allegations made by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who accused the government of attempting to impose Hindi forcibly on children while neglecting Marathi. Rebutting the claim, Fadnavis said that Marathi is and will remain mandatory in Maharashtra.
“We believe an additional Indian language should be encouraged, not imposed. I am opposed to laying out a red carpet for English while ignoring our own Indian languages,” he added.
The passage of the bill comes amid rising national discourse on internal security and ideological extremism, and has now sparked a fresh political debate in Maharashtra.