Pune: Congress Holds Strong Protest Outside Pune Collector’s Office Against Public Security Act

Pune, 18th July 2025: In a sharp show of dissent, the Pune City District Congress Committee staged an intense protest outside the Pune District Collector’s office today, opposing the recently passed Public Security Act by the Maharashtra government. The party condemned the legislation as anti-democratic and a threat to fundamental rights, and later submitted a formal memorandum to the Collector demanding its withdrawal.

Leading the protest, Arvind Shinde, President of the Pune City District Congress Committee, lashed out at the state government, stating, “The Public Security Act of 2024 was hastily pushed through during the monsoon session by misusing the government’s majority. This law is designed to suppress opposition voices, social activists, journalists, authors, and ideological organizations. It grants the government sweeping powers to imprison individuals without investigation, simply for protesting constitutionally.”

Shinde further raised concerns about potential misuse of the law against progressive ideological groups rooted in the thoughts of Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar.

“This law is a direct attack on freedom of expression, civil liberties, and the fourth pillar of democracy. Despite over 12,000 citizens and organizations submitting objections, no public hearing was conducted. India already has strong anti-Naxal laws — the motivation behind this new act is deeply questionable. As defenders of the Constitution and democracy, we are united in our opposition,” he said.

The protest saw the participation of Adv. Abhay Chhajed, General Secretary, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee; Lata Rajguru, Corporator; Ajit Darekar, Rafique Shaikh, Sunil Shinde, Mehboob Nadaf, and many block-level leaders and workers, including Sujit Yadav, Ravindra Majhire, Vishal Jadhav, Prachi Dudhane, Anita Dhimdhime, Anusaya Gaikwad, and several prominent Congress leaders.

With hundreds of party workers gathered in protest, the Congress party has issued a strong warning to intensify the agitation if the government does not immediately withdraw the controversial law.