“BJP Fears Activists, Not Naxals”: Sanjay Raut Explodes on Maharashtra’s ‘Suraksha Bill’; Uddhav Says TADA Is Back

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday launched a fierce attack on the Maharashtra government over the recently passed Special Public Security Bill, 2024, accusing the ruling BJP of using it as a tool to stifle dissent and target activists, NGOs, and opposition voices.

Speaking at a press conference, Raut dismissed the legislation — referred to officially as the ‘Jan Suraksha Bill’ — as a political weapon. “This is not a public safety bill. It’s a BJP Suraksha Bill. The BJP isn’t afraid of Naxals — it fears NGOs, social groups, and opposition leaders who speak up,” Raut said. He alleged the law was crafted to suppress protest movements, especially those led by tribal communities opposing land acquisitions and corporate projects. “This bill is designed to silence the resistance of tribal groups fighting for their land and identity,” he added.

The controversial legislation was passed this week, clearing the Assembly on Thursday and the Legislative Council on Friday, despite strong resistance and a walkout by opposition parties. It aims to clamp down on activities deemed to be associated with extreme left-wing or “anti-national” ideologies, though critics argue its definitions are vague and open to misuse.

Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray also slammed the bill, questioning its intent and language. “If this is truly about stopping Naxalism, then why isn’t the word ‘Naxal’ mentioned even once? What does ‘extreme leftist ideology’ mean? It could include anyone who disagrees with the government,” Thackeray said.

He warned the law could be misused like earlier draconian laws such as TADA and POTA. “Even Amit Shah has said Naxalism will be eliminated by 2027. Then why the rush to bring such a sweeping law now? This appears more like a strategy to suppress the opposition than to fight extremism,” he alleged.

Thackeray emphasized that while his party supports action against genuine threats to national security, the scope for arbitrary arrests under this law is alarming. “Criticising the BJP doesn’t make someone anti-national. This kind of thinking is extremely dangerous in a democracy,” he said.

In response to the uproar, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the bill, saying it was necessary to crack down on banned organizations operating under different names in the state. “At least six such groups banned elsewhere are active in Maharashtra. This bill is equipped with legal safeguards to prevent misuse. The opposition is trying to mislead the public,” Fadnavis stated.