Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 10 (ANI): The Maharashtra Assembly passed the Special Public Security Bill on Thursday, aiming to counter radical left ideologies and organisations allegedly promoting unlawful activities across the state.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tabled the Bill in the Legislative Assembly.

The bill, which was first introduced during the Winter Session in Nagpur in December 2024, returned to the House after a Joint Committee, led by BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reviewed over 12,000 suggestions for amendments.

Fadnavis stated that the revised draft was prepared following detailed deliberations and concerns raised by the opposition.

While quoting the Constitution and referencing Maoist literature, Fadnavis said, 'To dismantle the Indian constitutional framework and create an institution like the one Marx and Lenin established in China is the intention of these organisations.'

He listed cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Gadchiroli, Konkan, Amravati and Beed as locations targeted in Maoist plans, with documents allegedly seized confirming their presence.

CM Fadnavis highlighted that over 64 overground organisations were operating freely in Maharashtra, many of which had already been banned in states like Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

He pointed out that these front groups were responsible for logistical and material support to Maoist insurgents, such as providing shelter, supplies, and recruitment.

'Overground front organisations facilitate procurement, supplies to Maoists, help with hideouts,' he stated.

He warned of the growing influence of so-called Urban Maoist networks, who he claimed were brainwashing youth, professionals, and even civil servants.

'Active cader is going down, but passive cader brainwashing people is active. This is a different type of radicalisation like ISIS, brainwashing IAS officers, professors, is their modus operandi,' he further added.

'UPA Govt has given the list of names -- Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sanghatana, Virodhi Sanskriti Chalwal, Kabit Kala Manch. UPA had given these names. UPA called these organisations Urban Maoists, in an affidavit they had submitted,' he added.

Reacting to the opposition's objections over the bill, Fadnavis said, 'An Individual cannot be directly jailed; only when the organisation is banned, he can be arrested. This is not to suppress the voice of opposition.'

He later added, 'Before taking action, we will take the court's orders, no one can randomly arrest anyone, will have to face the forum, and will need approval. The organisation can file a plea to the High Court.'

The Chief Minister said the new bill was designed to fill the legislative gap left by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which primarily deals with active terror activities but lacks scope in tackling ideological indoctrination and subversive movements.

'Our law will be progressive than the other four states which have implemented it,' Fadnavis assured. He also said that the state's Special Public Security Law would mandate judicial oversight, ensuring that any action taken under the law must be approved by the courts.

Furthermore, Fadnavis said, 'Those states which have this law have banned many organisations. Since we don't have this law, these organisations are safely operating in Maharashtra.'

The bill aims to fill the gap left by the UAPA Act, which is restricted to active terror activities, and provide a framework to deal with radical left ideologies and organisations promoting violence and unlawful activities. (ANI)