Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought to draw a clear line on the state’s ongoing reservation debate, saying his government will listen to demands raised by different communities but will act only within the limits of the Constitution and existing rules.
Fadnavis’s remarks come amid renewed political tensions over reservation, particularly the demands associated with the Maratha community and concerns raised by Other Backward Classes (OBC) groups. The Chief Minister said the government would examine every representation but would not accept demands that fall outside the constitutional framework.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said, “The government runs according to the Constitution and will continue to do so. It does not function under pressure or outside the rules. However, the government listens to everyone.”
He further clarified that the government would distinguish between demands that can legally be considered and those that cannot.
“If a demand is in public interest and fits within the Constitution, it will be considered. If it does not fit within the Constitution, it will not be accepted,” he said.
Fadnavis: No reservation at the cost of another community
The Chief Minister stressed that his government was committed to protecting the interests of all sections of Maharashtra, including Marathas, OBCs, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes.
He rejected the idea that benefits for one community would have to come at the expense of another.
“The Constitution asks us to take care of everyone. This government will take care of everyone and give justice to all. We will not snatch from one community and give it to another. We have taken care of everyone so far and will continue to do so,” Fadnavis said.
The statement assumes significance as reservation remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in Maharashtra, with competing demands from different social groups continuing to shape the political discourse.
Fadnavis defends Bawankule amid Maratha quota controversy
Fadnavis also came out in support of Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who has faced criticism from Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange.
Explaining the minister’s role, Fadnavis said that representations received by ministers have to be forwarded to the appropriate department for examination. He maintained that merely receiving a complaint does not mean that a government decision is automatically taken in favour of the complainant.
“Whenever a complaint comes to any minister, the Constitution places a responsibility on the minister to forward it for inquiry. Accordingly, every representation received is sent to the concerned department. The department does not take a decision merely because of such a representation; it takes a decision on the basis of evidence,” he said.
According to Fadnavis, the committee examining the issue functions independently and has judicial powers.
“The committee is not bound to the government and does not report to the government. It has judicial powers. If anyone is aggrieved by its decision, an appellate authority has been created in the recently concluded session, and they can approach it,” he said.
‘It does not suit Maharashtra’: Fadnavis on Bawankule criticism
Fadnavis also objected to criticism of Bawankule based on his OBC background, saying a minister’s community should not become the basis for questioning his official actions.
“Just because a minister is from the OBC community, targeting him in this manner is not right. It does not suit Maharashtra,” Fadnavis said.
He maintained that Bawankule had acted in accordance with his responsibilities as a minister and had not deliberately attempted to overturn an existing decision or extend favour to any particular group.
The Chief Minister’s latest comments underline the government’s attempt to balance competing reservation demands while keeping constitutional provisions and legal limits at the centre of its approach. With the Maratha quota issue continuing to generate political debate, the government’s next steps are likely to remain under close scrutiny from both community groups and opposition parties.
