July 19, 2025

The Maharashtra Congress has raised concerns over the passage of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, without any protest from the party. State party chief Harshwardhan Sapkal asked Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar for an explanation on why the party did not oppose the bill in the assembly. Wadettiwar admitted that he was unaware of the bill being taken up for passage on July 10, as he was in his home district on that day. The bill, aimed at preventing unlawful activities by left-wing extremist organizations, has faced criticism for its stringent provisions, including hefty fines and jail terms of up to seven years for offenders. Civil society groups and opposition parties have raised concerns that the bill could be misused to suppress dissent under the guise of national security. Sources revealed that Congress MLAs were given notes to speak against the bill in the assembly, but the CLP leader was absent on the crucial day. In contrast, Congress MLCs protested and walked out of the Upper House the next day. The incident has led to questions about the party's stance on the bill, especially after a previous directive to oppose it at a meeting called by the All India Congress Committee. While only a CPI (M) MLA opposed the bill in the assembly, the party has called for an explanation on the lack of opposition from its members.

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Tags: Maharashtra congress, Special public security bill, Opposition, National security,