Uproar over UAPA Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, Mahua Moitra asks, why is Opposition called anti-national

Opposition leaders came down heavily on Modi government over the Unlawful Activities Prevention Amendment (UAPA) Bill on Wednesday, alleging that the Bill violates “right to life and liberty” and weakens the federal structure of the country.

Taking part in the debate, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said each time the Trinamool opposes a Bill, they run the risk of being labelled as anti-national.

“Why are Opposition leaders called anti-national…Why do I feel a sense of menace? Why is the Opposition called anti-national every time we disagree with the government on issues of national security?” asked Moitra.

Calling the Bill “anti-federalism, anti-constitutional and anti-people” Moitra said the Bill also takes away the powers of the State.

Saying that the Bill takes over the judicial rights, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that the UAPA Bill violates article 21 of the Constitution. Article 21 of the Constitution says that, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”

NCP leader Supriya Sule quoted Narendra Modi while talking about the Bill saying that the PM as the Chief Minister of Gujarat had opposed the Bill. Sule said the Bill, in its present form, will adversely affect the federal structure of the country.

BSP MP Danish Ali said that there are many people who are languishing in jails without a trail.

“UAPA is used to just detain people in jail and deny them a trial. Such kind of laws are made just to target citizens,” said Ali asking, “Does the government have any plans in place to prevent the misuse of this law?”