Widespread protests by opposition against new security law enacted in Maharashtra

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT), staged State-wide protests against the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill on Wednesday (September 10, 2025), citing concerns over its potential misuse to suppress dissent. MVA leaders also questioned the need for a new law.

The MVA carried out protests at taluka and district level, including at the iconic Shivaji Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area, and demanded that the bill be withdrawn. Condemning the bill, MLC and Congressman Satej Patil said, “The Government has misused its majority and cleared the bill. Many from across the state objected to the bill; the government should have organised a public hearing instead of passing the law.”

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Mr. Patil also questioned the need for a new law when the country has sufficient legislation against Maoism and Maoists. “They could have amended the UAPA law. This is just a tactic to target social organisations, which raise their voice against the government.” NCP-SP leader and MP Supriya Sule echoed these sentiments and questioned the need for another law.

Earlier, NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil, the CPI’s Dr. Bhalchandra Kango, and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray spoke out against the bill, calling it “unconstitutional” and “anti-democratic.” Civil society groups also called the bill “draconian.”

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Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule called the protest “politically motivated,” saying, “I have the attendance sheet, mentioning who attended the session while the bill was discussed. Also, records mentioning who agreed to the bill.”

The MVA is to conduct further protests across districts and talukas on October 2.