Devendra Fadnavis: Reservation Demands Will Be Considered Only Within Constitution

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the state government is committed to addressing reservation demands from different communities, but any decision will be made strictly in accordance with the Constitution and existing legal provisions.

His remarks come amid renewed political discussions surrounding reservation demands, particularly those concerning the Maratha community and the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Reservation Decisions Will Follow Constitutional Provisions

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis stressed that the government would carefully examine every representation but would not act beyond constitutional boundaries.

"The government functions according to the Constitution and will continue to do so. We do not work under pressure or outside the legal framework. We listen to everyone, but only those demands that are in public interest and consistent with the Constitution can be accepted," he said.

He added that demands inconsistent with constitutional provisions would not be approved.

Government Committed to Justice for Every Community

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government aims to ensure justice for all sections of society, including Marathas, OBCs, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes.

He said the administration would not reduce the rights or benefits of one community to accommodate another.

"The Constitution requires us to protect the interests of everyone. Our government is committed to delivering justice to every community without taking away anyone's rights," Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis Defends Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule

The reservation debate has intensified after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange criticised Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Responding to the criticism, Fadnavis defended the minister, saying forwarding complaints or representations for official inquiry is part of a minister's constitutional responsibility.

"Whenever a complaint reaches a minister, it is their duty to forward it to the concerned department for examination. The department then decides the matter based on evidence and legal provisions, not merely because a representation has been submitted," he explained.

Committee Functions Independently

Fadnavis also clarified that the committee handling the reservation-related matter operates independently and possesses judicial powers.

He said the committee is not controlled by the government, and anyone dissatisfied with its decision has the right to approach the appellate authority established during the recently concluded legislative session.

"The committee is independent of the government and exercises judicial powers. If any individual is aggrieved by its decision, they can seek relief through the appellate mechanism," he said.

Remarks on Targeting OBC Minister

The Chief Minister also objected to criticism directed at Bawankule because of his OBC background.

He said it was inappropriate to target a minister for carrying out his official duties and maintained that Bawankule had acted within the scope of his constitutional responsibilities.

According to Fadnavis, the minister neither attempted to favour any group nor sought to overturn any decision improperly.