Fadnavis seals Rs 34,000 crore MoUs, promises 33,000 jobs; Maratha quota row takes centre stage

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also waded in, defending the government’s record on quotas while criticising the opposition for politicising the agitation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the signing of 17 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth nearly Rs 34,000 crore, projecting that the deals will generate over 33,000 new jobs in the state.

“These MoUs have been signed with credible businesses in sectors like EV buses and trucks, solar modules, defence manufacturing and global capability centres (GCCs),” Fadnavis said, adding that investors’ faith reflected the government’s reforms in ease of doing business.

But the announcement quickly segued into politics. Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of failing the Maratha community.

“During his tenure, can Uddhav Thackeray name one thing he did for the Marathas?” the CM asked.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also waded in, defending the government’s record on quotas while criticising the opposition for politicising the agitation.

“When I was CM, we gave 10 percent reservation to the Maratha community. CM Fadnavis too extended benefits, but the MVA government could not sustain it,” Shinde said, adding that the current administration 'will do whatever is possible' to address the demand.

The political war of words comes amid renewed street mobilisation by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, whose supporters gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Thursday as part of their ongoing protest for Maratha reservation.

Heavy rains pushed more people into the station premises, swelling crowds and causing delays of 8–10 minutes on the Harbour Line, according to Central Railway CPRO Dr Swapnil Nila. Security forces including RPF, GRP and over 240 MSF staff were deployed to maintain order.