Legislative Council Approves Controversial Janasuraksha Bill
In the Maharashtra Legislative Council session today (July 11), amidst great chaos and dramatic developments, the Public Security Bill was approved. After being unanimously approved in the Legislative Assembly, when the bill was presented in the Legislative Council, the opposition strongly objected and walked out over a statement made by BJP MLA Prasad Lad mentioning the late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. The bill was passed in the absence of the opposition.
Public Security Bill against Naxal Ideology
Considering the risk of the youth in the state being influenced by anti-national leftist ideologies and turning towards Naxalism, the Maharashtra government has introduced this Public Security Bill. The government has stated that the main objective of this bill is to curb dangerous ideologies that undermine the constitution and to maintain peace and order in the state.
On Thursday (July 10), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented this bill in the Legislative Assembly. Emphasizing the importance of the bill based on the recommendations of the Joint Review Committee, it was unanimously approved.
Chaos in the Legislative Council
Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam presented this bill in the Legislative Council today. During the discussion, BJP MLA Prasad Lad stated that the late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray "established Shiv Sena by ending a particular ideology." Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) MLAs strongly objected to this statement.
Thackeray faction leader Ambadas Danve raised the question, "Which ideology did Thackeray Saheb end? And is the government speaking against Naxals or against some other ideologies?" He clearly stated that there is an attempt to misuse Balasaheb Thackeray's name to raise a different issue.
Chaos and Walkout in the Assembly
After a verbal altercation between Prasad Lad and Ambadas Danve, chaos ensued in the assembly. Deputy Speaker Neelam Gorhe tried to calm both sides, but the commotion did not subside. Subsequently, under the leadership of Ambadas Danve, the opposition staged a walkout.
The assembly proceedings were suspended for a while and then resumed. Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam demanded the bill be passed, and Speaker Ram Shinde announced that the Public Safety Bill was passed in the Legislative Council in the absence of the opposition.
Opposition's Allegation
On the other hand, the opposition has accused the government of misusing Balasaheb Thackeray's name for political purposes. They argue that referencing the ideology of the Shiv Sena chief while discussing the anti-Naxal bill is inappropriate and has muddied the atmosphere in the Legislative Council.