India's financial capital - is often called the city that never stops. Yet, this same Mumbai has witnessed years of bloodshed and terror attacks. Once living under the constant shadow of fear, the people of Mumbai today feel a renewed sense of safety.
Mumbai, once plagued by terror attacks, has seen strengthened security since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, implementing policies of Nation First and Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism, addressing illegal activities and demolishing illegal structures, while criticizing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance's approach to security.
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, the city has experienced stronger security through the party's policies of Nation First and Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism.
1. The Era of Fear: When Mumbai Lived Under ThreatBefore 2014, Mumbai's situation was grim. The city suffered repeated terror attacks - from serial train blasts to the Zaveri Bazaar explosion and the horrific 26/11 attacks. The city was a frequent target for extremists. Ordinary Mumbaikars would leave their homes each morning unsure if they would return safely.
The BJP has often accused the previous state and central governments of following soft policies, which, according to them, emboldened terrorist elements. Frequent blasts, weak intelligence coordination, and administrative inaction left Mumbai's security in shambles. But after 2014, the picture began to change.
2. BJP's 'Zero Tolerance' and a Stronger Security NetworkOnce in power, the BJP made national security its top priority. From strengthening Mumbai's coastal surveillance to expanding the CCTV network across the city, several projects gained rapid momentum.
Crackdown on Illegal InfiltrationThe threats to Mumbai's safety were not only external but also internal. The rising number of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants was disrupting the city's demographic balance and allegedly increasing crime and radical activities. The BJP government launched strict drives to identify and deport these illegal residents.
It also took strong administrative steps to control anti-national activities operating under the guise of encroachments. These actions reflected the government's firm resolve to uphold law and order.
3. The Afzal Khan Tomb Action: Upholding the Rule of LawOne of the biggest examples of BJP's firm decision-making was the demolition of illegal structures around Afzal Khan's tomb near Pratapgad Fort. The issue was not merely religious but a matter of enforcing the law.
For years, the Hazrat Mohammad Afzal Khan Memorial Society had expanded the structure illegally on forest land. Despite a 2004 Bombay High Court order directing its removal, the previous governments avoided action fearing loss of votes.
In November 2022, after the new coalition government took charge, a historic move was made. Under tight security and Section 144, the illegal rooms and extensions around the tomb were demolished before dawn. The BJP argued that the action proved no one is above the law. The move was celebrated by many and sent a strong message to extremist groups.
4. 'Bulldozer Justice': A Warning to RiotersIn recent times, whether it was the communal clashes in Mira-Bhayandar or the issue of an illegal dargah in Mahim's coastal area, the BJP-led government took quick and firm action.
Mira-Bhayandar Action
After riots during the Ram Temple inauguration celebrations, authorities demolished the illegal properties of those accused. The move sent a clear message - If you commit crimes, you won't keep your homes.
Mahim Dargah DemolitionSimilarly, when an unauthorized shrine was constructed in the Mahim sea, the government swiftly demolished it, reinforcing its stand against encroachments and unlawful religious structures.
5. Criticism of Maha Vikas Aghadi: Security or Vote Bank Politics?Throughout this process, the BJP has directly targeted the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance - consisting of Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. The BJP alleges that these parties protect radical elements to preserve their vote banks.
According to BJP leaders, whenever law enforcement acts against illegal migrants or anti-national activities, MVA leaders raise human rights concerns to shield the accused. The BJP warns that such appeasement politics could push Mumbai back to the dark days of serial blasts. They argue that if MVA returns to power, police and security agencies will again lose their authority, making Mumbai unsafe.
6. A Safe and Stable MumbaiToday, festivals in Mumbai are celebrated peacefully, and even when terror alerts are issued, agencies respond swiftly. Under a New India and a Strong BJP, cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan is being stopped at the borders, leading to a direct improvement in Mumbai's safety.
The BJP's guiding principle remains:A criminal has no religion, but protecting crime is treason.
Thanks to this firm stance, the average Mumbaikar can now travel home late at night without fear.
Mumbai's security is not just an election topic - it is about the city's identity and survival. The BJP's tenure has shown that strong political will and decisive governance are essential to crush extremism and crime. As Mumbai moves forward, citizens must decide who they trust with their city's safety.
For now, the BJP's 'Zero Tolerance' approach has undeniably provided Mumbai with a new shield of security.