Amidst the Aurangzeb controversy in Maharashtra and the Nagpur violence, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has advised his ministers to exercise restraint. He invoked Atal Bihari Vajpayee's concept of "Rajdharma," emphasizing the need for ministers to uphold the dignity of their office.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advised his cabinet colleagues to maintain social harmony. He stressed the importance of restrained statements from ministers to prevent the spread of societal discord. He made these remarks during an interview given at the NCP-SP senior leader Jayant Patil's ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Award 2025’ event held on March 19th.
CM Fadnavis's comments followed questions raised by NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil regarding statements made by some ministers during the ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Award 2025’ function. Fadnavis clarified that the government's duty is to ensure justice for all sections of society, not to adopt a discriminatory approach towards any particular community.
Statement Following Nagpur Violence
This was the Chief Minister's first response following the recent violence in Nagpur and the controversial statement by BJP minister Nitesh Rane. However, he addressed the issue without naming any specific minister. He stated, "As ministers, we must choose our words carefully. Atal Bihari Vajpayee also emphasized the adherence to 'Rajdharma'. Our government is committed to protecting the rights of all communities within the framework of the Constitution."
Advice for Ministerial Restraint
The Chief Minister specifically advised younger ministers against making emotionally charged statements that could exacerbate societal tensions. He added, "Young ministers, often in the heat of the moment, might say things that further inflame sensitive issues. I personally speak to such ministers and try to explain the significant responsibility that comes with ministerial office."
Government's Stance Clarified
Fadnavis dismissed opposition accusations, asserting his government's commitment to equal rights and justice for all citizens. He stated, "Our government does not discriminate against any section of society. We are working in accordance with the Constitution and will continue to do so." Earlier, opposition parties in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly had bly reacted to Nitesh Rane's statement and protested against him. However, Fadnavis's statement made it clear that the government is monitoring ministerial statements and is fully committed to maintaining peace in society.
