NEW DELHI, CORRESPONDENT

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that his position in building a new, self-reliant India is unshakeable and that Maharashtra's development has received a revolutionary new direction during his twelve-year tenure. The Chief Minister congratulated PM Narendra Modi on behalf of Maharashtra for achieving the historic milestone of serving 4,399 consecutive days as the elected Prime Minister of the country—the longest tenure to date.

The Chief Minister was speaking during a media interaction at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi today. Emphasizing that PM Modi's 4,399 days in office are not just numbers on a calendar but a significant era of India's holistic development, the Chief Minister said that during this period, monumental work was done to lift crores of citizens out of poverty. An unprecedented network of roads, railways, ports, airports, expressways, and modern infrastructure has been built across the country. India has made a giant leap in the economic sector, securing its place among the world's leading economies. To benefit farmers, irrigation projects were fast-tracked, and record investments were made in water conservation and agricultural development.

The concept of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) is visibly turning into reality across the country today. In the defense sector, India has marched toward self-reliance and proven its capabilities to the world. India, which was once a major importer of weapons, has now become a country exporting defense equipment worth thousands of crores of rupees. Through UPI and digital payment systems, India has set a global benchmark for the digital revolution. Centering his governance around the motto ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage), PM Modi has successfully balanced economic progress with cultural heritage. The Chief Minister stated that India's progress has received a new direction due to his visionary leadership.

Central Support for Maharashtra's Infrastructure

Expressing gratitude for the substantial cooperation Maharashtra received from PM Modi over the last twelve years, the Chief Minister said that the Central Government has provided massive support to several ambitious irrigation projects in the state, Vadhavan Port, an extensive network of highways, metro projects, railway modernization, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and various other infrastructure projects. Projects that once existed only on paper are now becoming a reality.

Along with this, PM Narendra Modi's sensitivity in resolving Maharashtra's water scarcity issue is truly commendable. During the severe drought of 2015, he paid special attention to strengthening schemes like 'Jalyukt Shivar' and took the initiative to complete 100 pending dam projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada.

"It is Maharashtra's good fortune to have a leader who works with such sensitivity and promptness on our state's issues. On behalf of the 12.5 crore people of Maharashtra, I heartily congratulate our beloved and popular Prime Minister and wish him a healthy, long, and successful life," the Chief Minister expressed.

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Mumbai, Jun 10

The political atmosphere in Maharashtra has intensified following a sharp exchange between Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) President Sharad Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over recent remarks made by BJP leader Girish Mahajan during his Punjab visit.

Mahajan had triggered controversy by alleging that the Congress had committed atrocities against the Sikh community. Responding to these comments, Sharad Pawar had criticized Mahajan, alleging that such statements bring disrepute to the country.

Countering the criticism, Chief Minister Fadnavis launched a scathing attack on the Congress. "It is an undeniable truth that the massacre of Sikhs took place in Delhi and across India under the leadership of the Congress. We will continue to condemn these atrocities for the rest of our lives," Fadnavis asserted while speaking to reporters here.
Clarifying the context of Mahajan's visit, the Chief Minister stated that the BJP leader was invited by the Punjab government to acknowledge the Maharashtra government's efforts in organizing grand events for the 300th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Sikh Guru.

"Girish Mahajan was only there to pay respects. He was present at the event for a very short duration and was completely unaware of the background photographs displayed at the venue. His speech focused solely on the contributions of the Sikh community and the Central government's efforts to integrate them into the mainstream. He also expressed concern over the rising drug menace in Punjab. His statements should not be viewed through a political lens," Fadnavis explained.

During the same interaction, Chief Minister Fadnavis lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for setting a new record by completing 4,399 days as the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India.

"This is not just a duration of time; it is a golden era during which the blueprint of India's progress has been written," Fadnavis said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Modi-led government, the Chief Minister stated that 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty during this period. He further credited the Prime Minister for the massive expansion of infrastructure, including highways, railways, ports, and airports.

"India has climbed to become the world's fourth-largest economy. We have seen an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) taking shape. From being a major importer of arms, we are now exporting thousands of crores worth of defence equipment. Furthermore, India’s UPI digital payment gateway has been adopted by 30 countries across the globe," he added.

Fadnavis further noted that in the last 12 years, the Central government has provided immense support to Maharashtra, including funding for the completion of nearly 100 dams and the realization of long-pending projects like the Vadhavan Port, Navi Mumbai Airport, and extensive Metro networks.

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Editorial by Rahi Bhide

Though Manoj Jarange ended his fast for Maratha reservation, the pressing questions still linger: What exactly did the Maratha community gain from this agitation? And how will the government’s ordinance affect the OBC community? On one hand, some claim the ordinance offers the Marathas nothing substantial. On the other, some in the OBC community view it as a threat to their own reservation rights. As a result, both communities have decided to challenge the ordinance in the High Court, revealing a deep sense of unease.

Jarange Patil launched his fast demanding eight key points, including blanket reservation for the Maratha community and withdrawal of cases against protestors. The government accepted six of these, leading to the suspension of the fast. There was celebration among Marathas; however, just like during the earlier Khargar protest, the government responded with an ordinance essentially identical to the previous one. While Jarange and his supporters expressed satisfaction, many legal experts have opined that the ordinance offers nothing concrete in terms of actual benefit.

Notably, even as the government assured withdrawal of criminal cases, police registered fresh cases against protestors returning from the rally. This contradiction has cast doubt on the government’s intent. Earlier, Eknath Shinde had taken the lead in addressing such protests; this time, Devendra Fadnavis relied on Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who consulted with legal experts and mediated between Jarange and the state. Eventually, both sides took a step back, possibly pressured by the looming threat of judicial scrutiny, to bring the protest to a close.

Still, the real question remains: What did the Maratha community truly gain? Many argue that the government conceded only administrative adjustments like extending deadlines for genealogy verification and implementing the Hyderabad Gazette. These steps, though significant on paper, raise the question of why the government waited until protests reached Mumbai before acting.

Jarange’s indefinite fast at Azad Maidan pushed the government to enforce the Hyderabad Gazette and permit the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to certain Marathas. However, this move has sparked confusion within the Maratha community what exactly does it mean for them? Meanwhile, among OBCs, there's growing concern that this could dilute their own reservation share. Jarange warned the government not to deceive the Marathas again, but leaders like Vinod Patil and others claim deception has already occurred. Yet, Jarange remains optimistic, asserting that the GR (Government Resolution) will ultimately benefit the Marathas.

This optimism is not shared by all. OBC leaders in the state burned copies of the resolution in protest. Chhagan Bhujbal, despite being part of the cabinet, vocally opposed the ordinance and is preparing to challenge it in court. He even boycotted a cabinet meeting in protest. Nevertheless, he has urged the OBC community to maintain restraint and pursue legal avenues instead of public agitation. While Fadnavis emphasized that only individuals with documented ancestral records would receive Kunbi certificates, Chandrashekhar Bawankule chairman of the OBC subcommittee publicly contradicted him, stating that the Hyderabad Gazette is effectively useless in proving Kunbi lineage. These conflicting statements have only fueled confusion within the Maratha community.

Adding to the tension, Prof. Laxman Hake launched an “OBC Reservation Protection Yatra,” while Babanrao Taywade, president of the OBC Mahasangh, undertook a hunger strike, asserting that the ordinance poses no threat to OBC rights. However, contradictory opinions within both Maratha and OBC groups indicate that a climate of uncertainty prevails across communities.

To ensure that the government doesn’t appear biased toward the Marathas, a cabinet subcommittee under Bawankule was formed to address OBC concerns. It includes ministers from all major ruling alliance parties. Still, internal disagreements persist. While Pankaja Munde claims the Hyderabad Gazette does not undermine OBC rights, Bhujbal maintains a contradictory stance.

The GR itself includes a clause that permits individuals without land ownership proof to submit affidavits affirming local residency. These affidavits, if supported by Kunbi-certified relatives, can lead to certificate issuance. OBC leaders are particularly alarmed by this clause, fearing that Marathas could infiltrate the OBC quota using such provisions.

Now, even among Maratha reservation advocates, there's growing skepticism. Many believe the GR offers little more than symbolic assurance, a situation summed up by former Justice B.G. Kolse Patil’s harsh remark: "It’s like digging a mountain and finding a mouse." He criticized the state for offering vague policies and wiping the Maratha community’s face with empty promises.

Under current rules, any claim to reservation must be backed by documentary evidence dated prior to 1967. The GR does mention requirements for landless or farm laborer Marathas, but it also requires in-depth verification through field officers like revenue officials. Only those who already have genealogical records or family references from the Hyderabad Gazette will benefit. What about those whose families have no such documentation? What is their future?

Ultimately, the editorial underscores a painful irony: despite dramatic protests, fasting, negotiations, and apparent breakthroughs, the tangible gains for the Maratha community remain ambiguous, while fears among the OBCs grow. Once again, the state finds itself entangled in the complexities of reservation politics with more questions than answers, and more confusion than clarity.

So, in the end — what was truly gained?
A pertinent question that continues to echo across Maharashtra.

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By Rahi Bhide

The Maharashtra government is now facing the consequences of how burdensome the promise of reservation can be. The storm led by Manoj Jarange has hit Mumbai, triggering political chaos. Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar are in power, and earlier promises to grant reservation to the Maratha community are now under pressure. If the government provides reservation following the community’s aggressive stance, it risks alienating OBC votes. Jarange insists that the Maratha and OBC categories are one and the same, prompting the government to explore ways to resolve this impasse.

Manoj Jarange Patil, the face of the Maratha reservation movement, began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on Friday. He warned that he would not back down until the government meets the community’s demands. His ultimatum — “Either give reservation or shoot me or let me die on the hunger strike” — is becoming a major challenge for the Mahayuti government led by Fadnavis. Jarange demands that all Marathas be issued Kunbi certificates under the OBC category.

After the Maratha community took to the streets under Jarange’s leadership, the OBC community also began demonstrations, fearing the division of their quota. There’s a perception that OBCs are being supported by Fadnavis, fueling tensions. Jarange and other agitators are now targeting him, while Fadnavis insists that his cabinet’s subcommittee is working on a constitutional solution.

Jarange has led this movement for years and calls this his “last battle,” vowing not to step back until Marathas are included under the OBC quota. Aggressive remarks by leaders like Adv. Gunaratna Sadavarte, Prof. Lakshman Hake, and Gopichand Padalkar have further inflamed sentiments, complicating the situation. The government’s image is at stake as such rhetoric escalates conflicts.

Jarange’s demand for all Marathas to be issued OBC certificates cannot be ignored — nearly 5.4 million people have already received Kunbi certificates due to his movement. The committee led by Justice Sandeep Shinde reviewed historical records, including the Hyderabad Gazette, and verified community ties like intermarriage to support these claims.

Currently, OBCs constitute 52% of the population with a 27% quota. If 30–35% of Marathas are added, it could leave 85% of the population fighting for the same quota, intensifying opposition. This has led to a growing divide between the Maratha and OBC communities.

Interestingly, the Muslim community has also demanded reservation for Marathas, recalling recommendations like the Rane Committee’s proposal for a 5% quota, which was never implemented. Similarly, Fadnavis had promised inclusion of the Dhangar community among tribals but failed to deliver even after two terms.

With various communities unsettled, the government faces a daunting challenge in navigating social and political complexities. The Maratha community, making up nearly 33% of Maharashtra’s population and facing socio-economic disadvantages, seeks fair representation in jobs and education.

The movement under Jarange has presented multiple hurdles for the government. Besides anger stemming from past incidents like the Kopardi rape-murder case, opposition from the OBC community and support from rival parties like Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) is putting additional pressure on the ruling alliance.

The Maharashtra government’s handling of the Maratha reservation demand could shape its political future, as resolving this sensitive issue requires careful negotiation and consensus-building.

Pune, City Correspondent

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging large-scale voter fraud. Responding to these allegations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that in recent times, Rahul Gandhi seems to have contacted scriptwriters Salim-Javed to write his speeches. “This script is highly entertaining and is being recited everywhere, but beyond the entertainment, there is nothing substantial in it,” Fadnavis commented. “All his claims are purely fictional,” he added.

Fadnavis was speaking at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) in Pune, where he was present as the chief guest for various programs. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also attended the event. During the interaction, CM Fadnavis was asked about Rahul Gandhi’s remarks.

The Chief Minister further said, “Rahul Gandhi is now claiming issues in the voter list, but we have been pointing this out for years. He doesn’t understand what a comprehensive revision of the voter list means. He is merely trying to find excuses for his electoral losses.”

Commenting on the recent INDIA alliance meeting, where Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Sanjay Raut were seen seated in the last row, Fadnavis took a dig at the opposition. He said, “With us, they were always in the front row sometimes even ahead of us. This shows the kind of respect they enjoy now. They used to proudly proclaim that they would never bow before Delhi or lay down the red carpet for Delhi, but it is truly painful to see their current condition despite not even being in power.”

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Rohini Khadse Criticized Devendra Fadnavis: Yesterday at Chaityabhoomi, a program was held on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary. On this occasion, speeches were made by Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, it came to light that the speeches of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were omitted from this program. It was seen. Officials informed that these speeches were omitted the previous night. On this, Rohini Khadse, the women's state president of the Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar Party, has attacked the Mahayuti government.

Rohini Khadse has made a post on the social media platform. He said that because Dada was getting tired, first the files in the ministry were sent from Dada to Bhai. Then he appointed his close officer (Maharashtra Politics) as the economic advisor to keep an eye on the finance department. Then to clip Bhai's wings, he discriminated between the posts of Nidhi Madhyamik and Guardian Minister.

Again, Dada was left out at Raigad and Bhai was given a chance to speak. However, Bhai went 2 steps further… When Mota Bhai came to Mumbai, he went alone and had a meeting for 15 minutes… Then he realized that Bhai was also taking things too far… Then to bring both of them to their place, he cut off Bhai - Dada's speech at Chaityabhoomi … Overall, what…. So how is the government running? Huge tug-of-war, huge tug-of-war… At each other's feet… Today or tomorrow, Khadse has also predicted that it will stumble.

Meanwhile, Rohini Khadse has shared the copy of the Governor's program issued by Raj Bhavan on social media. The mention of the speeches of both the Deputy Chief Ministers is clearly visible in this copy.

Rohini Khadse has said that Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde are being sidelined. For this, the speeches of both of them at Chaityabhoomi were cut short. Khadse has also said that the government is running with a lot of tug-of-war and tug-of-war. Khadse has made a scathing remark that the Mahayuti will stumble over each other.

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Important news for students studying for competitive exams in the state (MPSC Exams). A big update has come out regarding MPSC. State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made a special announcement in this regard. In the budget session of the legislature, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that the state government will conduct all competitive exams of MPSC in Marathi.

The budget session of the state legislature is currently underway. It is buzzing with various issues. Similarly, various issues related to the Maharashtra Public Service Commission were also discussed in the Legislative Council yesterday (MPSC Exams In Marathi). At this time, Legislative Council member Milind Narvekar had raised a question regarding conducting MPSC exams in Marathi. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has answered MLA Narvekar's question.

Devendra Fadnavis posted on the social media platform in this regard and said that Legislative Council member Milind Narvekar had raised a question regarding conducting MPSC exams in Marathi. The exams for engineering and agricultural technical posts are currently conducted in English, because the books related to these are not available in Marathi. However, now permission has been given to conduct engineering education in Marathi. Therefore, soon the books for this course will be available in Marathi. Accordingly, the state government has planned to conduct the exams for all technical posts in Marathi.

Speaking about Talathi recruitment, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Talathi and Zilla Parishad posts are not filled through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission. Also, the process of issuing appointment letters is not done through the commission. Therefore, Fadnavis has also clarified that these subjects have no connection with the manpower of the commission.

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