Mumbai: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned the Maharashtra government’s proposed Special Jana Suraksha Bill, calling it a draconian attempt to suppress dissent and organized resistance against government policies. The party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Bill, warning that it will grant excessive powers to the police and curb democratic rights.
The Bill, introduced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government, aims to tackle what it terms “Urban Naxals.” However, the CPI(M) argues that its real objective is to crush people’s movements and protests against the state’s policies. With the ruling alliance holding a significant majority in the legislature, the Bill’s passage is almost certain.
According to the CPI(M), the state is witnessing widespread discontent due to policies that have exacerbated the struggles of farmers, workers, women, youth, and students. Protests over issues like farm produce pricing, crop insurance, MGNREGA work, land rights, minimum wages, inflation, education, employment, and caste-based oppression have intensified. Instead of addressing these grievances, the government is seeking to stifle people’s voices through repressive laws, the party alleged.
One of the key concerns raised by the CPI(M) is the Bill’s ambiguous provisions, which allow the government to unilaterally declare any act or organization “illegal.” Under the proposed law, members of such organizations could face three years in prison and a fine of ₹3 lakh. Even non-members who support, encourage, or assist these organizations could be imprisoned for seven years and fined ₹5 lakh. The CPI(M) warns that this could be used to target trade unions, civil society groups, and activists.
Calling the Bill a “neo-fascist attack,” CPI(M) State Secretary Dr. Ajit Nawale vowed to resist it through mass mobilization and alliances with leftist and democratic forces. The party has pledged to fight the legislation at every level to protect democratic rights in Maharashtra.
