‘Why so Silent?’ Twitter Slams Opposition as NIA Bill Is Passed

Many said the Bill will be misused to target members of a certain community.

The NIA Bill led to a heated debate between Amit Shah and Asaduddin Owaisi. 

(Photo: The Quint)

The Lok Sabha passed the NIA (National Investigation Agency) Bill on Monday 15 July, after a heated debate between Home Minister Amit Shah and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who opposed the bill.

There were just six votes against the bill as no Opposition party: SP, BSP, Trinamool, Congress and DMK, took a position against the legislation. The amendment Bill will strengthen the power and broaden the scope of the National Investigation Agency, including allowing NIA to probe terror cases targeting Indians and Indian assets outside the country.

Those who opposed the Bill are of the view that it might be misused to target people from a certain community and turn the country into a police state, even as Amit Shah assured that the Bill was only aimed at eliminating terrorism and will not be misused.

Twitterati expressed divided opinions about the Bill. While some said it was a necessary step towards uprooting terrorism, others commented that it will misused by the ruling party.

‘Political Bill’

“The bill will take away state powers and make India a police state,” said one Twitter user.

Another Twitter user called it a ‘political bill’. “It's a bill to support the interests of one particular party/Agenda/Propaganda. Shameful that the Congress was simply a mute spectator and didn't vote against it,” she added.

‘Opposition Was Mute’

Others also attacked the Opposition for not voting against the Bill.

“The dissenting votes were from AIMIM and four other individuals. No party took a position against the legislation, including SP, BSP, Trinamool, Congress and DMK,” said one Twitter user.

Others too criticised the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League for being ‘silent’.

Twitterati also raised concerns about how the NIA Bill can be misused to target members of a certain community. “Reality is that Indian govt has always misused draconian Laws like TADA, POTA, UAPA, against Muslims,” said one Twitter user.

Those in support of the Bill said the fears are misplaced and it will be a significant measure to eliminate terrorism.

“Much needed amendment,” said one Twitter user.