Mins must speak with restraint, says CM

 Media Coverage  |  20-03-2025

‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2025’ ceremony organised in a grand manner at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai; chief minister Devendra Fadnavis honoured with ‘Most Powerful Politician’ at a glittering event

Lokmat News Network Mumbai

Ministers should exercise restraint  while speaking and  ensure that their words do not create any animosity in the society, said Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, even as he recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s counsel of upholding ‘Raj Dharma’ (the duty of governance). He reminded his ministers to follow this principle. Fadnavis was speaking at the ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2025′ programme in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Fadnavis clarified that he had no plans to move to Delhi as he was content in Mumbai. The  chief minister also said that although Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set the retirement age at 75 years, he would like to see him as prime minister in 2029 too.

During the event, NCP (SP) leader and former minister Jayant Patil interviewed the chief minister. At the programme, Patil questioned Fadnavis about certain government officials using harsh language against specific communities, which has led to social discord. Replying to this, Fadnavis said that he has reminded his ministers of the importance of following ‘Raj Dharma’.

“When one is a minister, one must always speak with restraint. Atal Bihari Vajpayee once stated that a minister must uphold ‘Raj Dharma’.

As ministers, we must set aside personal opinions and preferences, as we have taken the  oath to uphold the Constitution. The Constitution mandates that we act justly towards everyone. Therefore, ministers should ensure that their words do not create any conflicts,” said Fadnavis.

The chief minister further added, “Sometimes, young ministers speak in an impulsive manner. In such instances, I personally interact with them to remind them that they are now holding responsible positions and must speak with restraint.”

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I am not eyeing Delhi, says Fadnavis

When asked whether the chief minister sees himself alongside Narendra Modi, Amit Shah or Yogi Adityanath as the future leader of the party, Fadnavis replied, “I am a party worker who fits in at whatever position  he is  placed. Currently, I have been entrusted with Maharashtra’s responsibility, and I will fulfil it to the best of my ability. I know my strengths and limitations. I am not waiting for an opportunity in Delhi; I am very happy in Mumbai. The climate in Mumbai is much better than in Delhi, and I have friends like you here. So, I am going to stay in Mumbai only,” Fadnavis affirmed.

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Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was conferred upon the ‘Most Powerful Politician’ award at the hands of governor C P Radhakrishnan at the ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, on Wednesday. Also seen are (from left) national head, corporate affairs of Pernod Ricard India Prasanna Mohile, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, banker and wife of the chief minister Amruta Fadnavis, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group Rajendra Darda and founder and president of Abhay Bhutada Foundation Abhay Bhutada.  Datta Khedekar

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