Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed public concerns regarding the proposed ‘Maharashtra Special Public Safety Bill-2024’ during a session of the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday. The CM emphasised that the Bill aims to eliminate urban Naxal hideouts and curb Naxal activities across the state.
Speaking in the Assembly, Fadnavis explained the necessity of the legislation, stating, “The threat of Naxalism is not limited to remote areas only. Many front organizations have been formed. They are trying to shake the faith in the Constitution through an ecosystem. Many of these organizations try to rescue the arrested Naxalites. They create a safe haunt for them.”
Fadnavis further defended the Bill by highlighting the proactive steps taken by other Naxal-affected states. “Naxal-affected states have made such a law. As per the need highlighted by the Maharashtra Anti-Naxal Squad, we introduce the ‘Maharashtra Special Public Safety Bill-2024’ to curb Naxalism and close down the urban Naxal hideouts,” he stated.
To address widespread concerns, CM Fadnavis assured that the Bill would undergo further scrutiny. “There are many doubts in the minds of people about this law, so we will send this law to the select Committee. So that this law can be discussed in detail and come up in the July session,” he added.
Reiterating the significance of the Bill, he said, “This is a very important law for Maharashtra.”
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism in India by March 31, 2026. Speaking on Sunday, Shah highlighted significant achievements in countering Naxalism over the past decade.
“In the last 10 years, we have fought Naxalism on multiple fronts. Today, there is a 73 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel and a 70 per cent decrease in civilian deaths in areas that have been Naxal strongholds since 1973. By March 31, 2026, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country,” Shah asserted.
The Bill, along with the Union government’s broader anti-Naxal strategy, represents a determined effort to address one of India’s most enduring internal security challenges.