The Yogi-BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has launched a massive vindictive witch-hunt against activists of Left parties and farmers’ movements, with the state police directing its intelligence machinery to prepare detailed surveillance dossiers on political activists across the state.
The move comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s use of the term dimagi naxals and threats from the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day. The Uttar Pradesh government is now using the police and intelligence apparatus to intensify political targeting and suppress dissent and mass movements.
A police circular issued by the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Uttar Pradesh, through letter no. D.G.-8–96(1) 2026 (Dossier)/11046, dated August 18, 2026, directs the preparation of dossiers. Following this, the Additional Director General of Police, Prayagraj Zone, issued a communication titled Information Dossier (CAA/NRC/Active Members List)/2026, directing the preparation of detailed dossiers of persons and office-bearers of active Left political parties and organisations and their submission by August 20.
The dossier format seeks an extensive range of highly personal information about activists. It asks for their names and addresses, Aadhaar, PAN and passport details, mobile numbers and complete bank account details. It also seeks family tree and lineage information, criminal history, occupation, property disputes and other conflicts, details of illegal business activity, sources of income, social media accounts and contacts with administrative officials.
Similar information sheets have been sent to CPI(ML) and other Left activists across districts of Uttar Pradesh. Personnel of Local Intelligence Units are contacting activists over the phone and seeking most of the information through WhatsApp and telephone calls. Activists are also being warned that they will be held responsible for non-compliance.
CPI(ML) condemned the political targeting, saying the intelligence apparatus is being deployed to illegally intrude into the personal lives of leaders and activists in an attempt to crush political dissent and mass movements. CPI(ML) said the collection of such extensive personal information for political surveillance is a blatant violation of the fundamental right to privacy.
CPI(ML) Uttar Pradesh state secretary Sudhakar Yadav said the Yogi government is thoroughly rattled by the growing resistance of students, young people, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and conscientious citizens. He said the government is afraid of every citizen who asks questions, protests and exercises democratic rights. Uttar Pradesh, he said, has already been turned into a police state through staged encounters and custodial deaths, and preparations are now underway to turn it into a full surveillance state.
CPI(ML) demanded an immediate halt to the preparation of political surveillance dossiers and an end to the use of the police and intelligence machinery for targeting Left activists, farmers’ movement activists and all those raising their voice against the government.
