Congress to move no-confidence motion against Fadnavis on Maratha quota

Taking an aggressive stand against the BJP-led Maharashtra government on the issue of Maratha quota, Congress  on Tuesday said it will move a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for "insulting" the sentiments of the community.

Congress leader and former chief minister Narayan Rane today demanded Fadnavis' resignation. He quoted the High Court order of October 13 which said the government had sought time as it was collecting further data to file an additional affidavit, which led to adjournment of the hearing of petitions on Maratha reservations beyond Diwali vacation. The HC has stayed the previous government's ordinance granting reservations to Marathas, and is hearing petitions challenging the ordinance.

Rane said contrary to what the state counsel told the HC, Fadnavis, on the same day, had told reporters that the state had not sought more time to file affidavit.
Fadnavis government had not filed any affidavit since it came to power in October 2014, Rane alleged, adding "the government does not intend to give the Maratha community its rightful reservations. It has no concern for the grievances raised by the community through its silent marches." The CM had thus hurt the sentiments of the community, he said.

"We will move a no-confidence motion against Fadnavis during the winter session and a privilege motion in the Legislative Council," Rane said, adding that Congress would seek support of all parties barring BJP and Shiv Sena for the motion.