Nagpur

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday reiterated his government's commitment to addressing the demands of the Maratha community regarding reservation while assuring that the interests of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) would not be compromised.

He stressed that any decision taken on the sensitive quota issue would be fully consistent with constitutional provisions and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting a compressed biogas facility at Bhandewadi in Nagpur, Fadnavis was asked about the indefinite hunger strike launched by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange in Jalna district. Jarange has resumed his agitation, demanding Kunbi caste certificates for Marathas seeking OBC reservation benefits, implementation of historical Hyderabad and Satara Gazette records, withdrawal of cases filed against Maratha protesters, and the creation of a dedicated ministry for the community.

Responding to these demands, the chief minister said the state government has always maintained a positive and transparent approach toward resolving issues concerning the Maratha community.

"Whenever challenges emerged, the government responded with appropriate measures. Our position has remained constructive, and it will continue to be so," he said.

Fadnavis highlighted that his administration, along with the previous government led by Eknath Shinde, had taken several unprecedented decisions for the welfare of the Maratha community.

He added that the government would continue to work in the community's interest but would do so within the limits prescribed by the Constitution and judicial directives.

According to him, measures taken outside the legal framework may generate public attention but are unlikely to survive scrutiny in courts. Therefore, the government intends to adopt only those solutions that are legally sustainable.

The chief minister also addressed concerns among OBC organisations, many of which have opposed any move to extend reservation benefits to Marathas from the existing OBC quota.

He clarified that the state government has never pursued policies that benefit one community at the expense of another and has no intention of doing so in the future.

"The OBC community need not have any apprehensions. While we will address the legitimate concerns of the Maratha community, we will ensure that no injustice is caused to OBCs," Fadnavis said.

On demands for a government resolution related to Maratha reservation, he acknowledged that discussions were underway but declined to reveal further details, reiterating that any decision would remain within constitutional and legal boundaries.

During his visit, Fadnavis also reviewed progress on the Bhandewadi compressed biogas project, which he described as India's first municipal waste processing plant based on dry-digestion technology.

The facility, designed to process 1,200 tonnes of waste daily in three phases, is expected to become fully operational by August. Once completed, it is projected to generate around 28 tonnes of biogas, 120 tonnes of organic fertiliser and approximately 400 tonnes of refuse-derived fuel every day.

The chief minister noted that the project has attracted an investment of nearly Rs 300 crore and has been developed entirely through private funding without any tipping fee support from the government.

He said the initiative would help transform waste into valuable resources, reduce environmental pollution and provide a long-term solution to the garbage and foul odour issues that have affected the Bhandewadi area for years.

Commenting on rising fuel prices, Fadnavis attributed the increase to the ongoing global energy crisis. He pointed out that fuel prices have risen not only in India but also in major economies and neighbouring countries due to disruptions in international supply chains.

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Expressing optimism, he said fuel rates are expected to stabilise once the global energy situation improves and normal supply conditions are restored.