Fadnavis hails quota for orphans as ‘historic’; Congress seeks White Paper on Mahayuti’s first year in office

As the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra completed one year in office on Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the State’s policy of granting 1% reservation to orphans in education and government jobs as a “historic” measure rooted in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s principle of equal opportunity.

At an event marking the alliance’s first anniversary in the current term, the CM interacted with beneficiaries of the scheme, first introduced in 2018, and termed it the “most emotionally fulfilling” decision of his political career. So far, 862 individuals have benefited and become self-reliant, he said.

The scheme was recently amended to apply to “vacant posts” instead of “available posts”.

“A year after taking oath as Chief Minister, this programme makes the anniversary truly meaningful. Governments take many decisions, but some touch the heart. This reservation for orphaned children is one such decision,” Mr. Fadnavis said, urging the youth to give back to society and become role models.

“Success achieved through struggle should inspire continuous service. Your work becomes your identity; it is work that grants immortality,” he said.

Mr. Fadnavis cited Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. Ambedkar as examples of individuals whose work created lasting legacies. BJP leaders highlighted infrastructure milestones such as the Atal Setu, now Asia’s largest bridge, expansion of the metro rail network in Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune, and projects like the Mumbai Sea Link, Samruddhi Expressway, Navi Mumbai airport and Vadhavan port. Welfare schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana were also highlighted as achievements.

However, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar demanded that the government present a ‘White Paper’ in the upcoming winter session of the Assembly, beginning on December 8 in Nagpur, detailing its promises and delivery. “One year of this government has left people disappointed. Farmer suicides have increased, crops are not getting fair prices, and cultivators struggle for seeds and fertilizers,” Mr. Wadettiwar said, accusing the ruling alliance of being “busy patting its own back” in five-star hotels while ignoring ground realities.

He alleged that crimes against women were rising, malnutrition among children was worsening, and roads across the State were in a state of deterioration. “Floods in Marathwada have devastated farmers. Builders and Ministers are grabbing land worth crores. Favoured industrialists are benefiting while common people suffer,” he claimed.

Mr. Wadettiwar also alleged that illegal coal mining was taking place in Chandrapur district in violation of Environment Department norms and without rehabilitating affected families. “From the Environment Minister to forest officials, all are involved,” he said, vowing to raise the issue in the Assembly.

Hitting out at the government for not appointing a Leader of the Opposition in either House, the Congress leader said, “This government has no respect for democracy or the Constitution. A vibrant Opposition is essential, but they want no dissent.”

He demanded that instead of the winter session, a full-fledged budget session be held in Nagpur.