Nagpur, Maharashtra: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his approach to protests and demands involving the Supreme Court, arguing that constitutional grievances should be addressed through established legal procedures.

Fadnavis also invoked the legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Emergency-era constitutional changes while accusing the opposition of putting democratic institutions at risk.

Fadnavis Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Approach to Supreme Court

Fadnavis questioned Gandhi's reported demand to march to the Supreme Court and meet the Chief Justice of India. He asked under which constitutional provision the Chief Justice would be expected to come out and engage with a protest march.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister said people with grievances should approach the Court through proper legal channels. He described the Supreme Court's reported response on the matter as appropriate.

#WATCH | Nagpur | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "...Consider the instance where he speaks of marching to the Supreme Court and demanding to meet the Chief Justice. Under which constitutional provision is the Chief Justice expected to come out and hold discussions with a protest march? The Supreme Court’s response was absolutely correct: if one has a grievance, one must approach the Court through the proper legal channels...Rahul Gandhi ji, this Constitution was authored by Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Your grandmother also attempted to dismantle it. In 1975, your grandmother—through Parliament—enacted an amendment effectively barring citizens from approaching the courts to enforce their fundamental rights, which were the most significant provision introduced by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar...However, the entire opposition fought back at that time and succeeded in restoring Babasaheb's Constitution. Therefore, no matter how many protests you organize against the Constitution, we will not allow any harm to come to Babasaheb's Constitution; we will not let you subvert it in this manner. The country will not tolerate these activities that go against the Constitution. Come what may, we will spare no effort to save this Constitution and this democracy—this is a warning I wish to issue to Rahul Gandhi"

— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026

Fadnavis Invokes Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Legacy

Addressing Rahul Gandhi, Fadnavis referred to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He also criticised the constitutional changes made during the Emergency in 1975 under the government led by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Fadnavis alleged that the changes had restricted citizens' ability to approach courts to enforce their fundamental rights. He said opposition parties had subsequently fought to restore constitutional protections.

‘Will Not Allow Harm to the Constitution’

Fadnavis said his government would not allow the Constitution or democratic institutions to be undermined. He accused the opposition of engaging in activities that he claimed threatened constitutional principles.

He concluded by warning Rahul Gandhi that the country would not tolerate actions that went against the Constitution, adding that efforts would continue to protect democracy and the constitutional framework.