Maharashtra MLA Jitendra Awhad Arrives Handcuffed at Vidhan Bhavan to Protest Deportation of Indian Immigrants from the US

NCP MLA Highlights Freedom of Expression Concerns and Condemns US Visa Policies Affecting Indians​

On Monday, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad dramatically arrived handcuffed at Mumbai's Vidhan Bhavan complex to draw attention to what he described as a "growing attack" on freedom of expression and to protest the recent deportation of undocumented Indian immigrants from the United States.

Awhad, a former Maharashtra minister, strongly criticized the treatment meted out to Indian nationals by US authorities during their deportation, labeling it as an "inhuman act" and an insult to India.

Growing Concerns Over Freedom of Speech in India​

Speaking to reporters outside the Vidhan Bhavan complex, Awhad expressed grave concerns over the erosion of freedom of expression in the country. He said, "There is a growing attack on freedom of expression in this country. Activists and individuals who speak out are being silenced by implicating them in criminal cases. Our constitutional right to express ourselves is under threat."

He emphasized that freedom of speech remains a fundamental right, crucial for democracy, adding, "Everyone must be able to speak."

Deportation and US Visa Policy Criticized​

Condemning the US immigration practices, Awhad pointed out how recent restrictive visa regulations have adversely impacted many Indian families and shattered countless dreams. He highlighted the recent cases where Indians were deported under degrading circumstances, alleging that they were shackled, crammed onto aircraft, and subjected to inhumane conditions such as inadequate restroom facilities and lack of food during long flights.

"The restrictive visa rules are breaking families apart. Recently, we witnessed Indian immigrants being deported in large numbers, crammed into planes, shackled, and treated like criminals," Awhad said. He further stressed that several families from Maharashtra had been affected, devastating young Indians who aspired to a brighter future in America.

Call for Collective Action​

Warning about the potential consequences of remaining silent, Awhad urged Indians to actively voice their opposition against these injustices. "If we remain silent about the injustices faced by our fellow Indians abroad, it will set a dangerous precedent. America will continue to exploit and mistreat us," he asserted.

Awhad explained that his act of wearing shackles symbolically represented solidarity with Indian nationals who endured mistreatment and urged every Indian to protest these violations of human rights.

Controversy Surrounding Minister Dhananjay Munde's Aide​

In response to reporters’ questions, Awhad also raised the issue of state minister Dhananjay Munde’s close associate Walmik Karad, who has been accused in the murder case of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Deshmukh was abducted and brutally murdered on December 9 last year in Maharashtra’s Beed district while trying to stop an extortion attempt on an energy company.

Criticizing Munde’s association, Awhad questioned, "Are there morals and ethics left when your close aide is cruel and inhuman?"

NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) Dismisses Protest as a Publicity Stunt​

Reacting to Awhad’s symbolic protest, ruling NCP state spokesperson Anand Paranjpe dismissed it as mere theatrics, questioning why NCP (SP) MPs had not taken the issue to the Lok Sabha, a more appropriate forum for foreign policy discussions.

Paranjpe further challenged Awhad’s claims about diminishing freedom of expression, noting, "How can Awhad say there was no freedom of expression when he is regularly covered in the media?" He also remarked on the absence of other NCP (SP) MLAs during Awhad’s protest, describing the situation as "unfortunate."