Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan Criticizes Maharashtra CM’s Remarks, Opposes New Special Public Security Act

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New Delhi: The Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan (BJA), a citizens’ initiative for protecting Constitutional values and democratic institutions, has strongly criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his recent statements in the state legislature. The Abhiyaan has also raised concerns over the newly introduced Maharashtra Special Public Security Act 2024, calling it unconstitutional and draconian.

In a press release, Vijay Mahajan and Yogendra Yadav, National Convenors and Ajit Jha, General Secretary of BJA expressed shock over CM Fadnavis’s remarks on December 18, where he allegedly indicated that the new legislation could be used to target political opponents and ideological critics. “It is disheartening to see the government prioritizing witch-hunting over addressing pressing issues concerning the lives and livelihoods of Maharashtra’s people,” the statement read.

The Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan denounced what it described as a pattern of labeling dissenters as “urban naxals” or “anti-national.” It said such accusations, coupled with the enactment of laws to suppress dissent, violate Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

The statement further accused the Maharashtra government of misusing “special laws” to bypass procedural safeguards. The BJA reminded the government that it must function within the constitutional framework. “We the people are not just the first three words of the Constitution but also its keepers in spirit,” the statement added.

The Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan also took issue with the CM’s repeated attacks on the organization, both during the election campaign and in the assembly. They rejected the allegations of being a “frontal organization” of Maoists, challenging CM Fadnavis to provide concrete evidence to support his claims.

The BJA reaffirmed its commitment to non-violent, democratic activities aimed at safeguarding the Constitution. It also praised its Maharashtra activists for their outstanding public service. “We shall not be cowed down nor muzzled,” the statement declared, invoking the famous words of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, “Swarajya is my birthright.”

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