The newly passed Special Public Security Bill, 2024 in Maharashtra has sparked a fierce political face-off, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders accusing the state’s BJP-led government of using the law as a pretext to suppress dissent and grassroots activism.

At a press conference held on Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a sharp critique, calling the legislation nothing more than a tool to protect the BJP’s political interests. He claimed that the bill is targeted not at combating Naxalism but at silencing voices of opposition, civil society, and particularly tribal groups resisting land takeovers. According to Raut, the government is attempting to paint peaceful protestors as threats to public security under the garb of this new law.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray echoed similar concerns, raising questions about the ambiguous language of the bill. He highlighted the absence of any direct reference to Naxalism despite the government’s claims that the law is intended to combat extremist elements. Thackeray expressed fears that the bill could pave the way for arbitrary arrests and political repression, drawing comparisons to outdated and controversial laws like TADA.

The Special Public Security Bill was passed in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature earlier this week, despite a walkout by the opposition. The government maintains that the bill is necessary to address the threat posed by outlawed extremist organisations operating covertly in the state.

However, critics argue that the timing and framing of the legislation are politically motivated, especially ahead of upcoming elections and amid rising unrest over tribal land rights and corporate expansion in sensitive regions.

In defense of the bill, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that Maharashtra needs a legal framework to crack down on groups already banned in other states but still functioning here. He assured that the bill includes legal safeguards to prevent misuse and is focused solely on national security.