Showing open support for the ongoing protests staged by the state’s Maratha community for reservations in employment and educational sectors, senior Congress leader Narayan Rane on Tuesday demanded the resignation of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for not acting in favour of the community’s demands.

Mr Rane threatened that he would move a no-confidence motion against the chief minister for allegedly “insulting” the sentiments of the Maratha community and giving misleading statements.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Rane demanded Fadnavis’ s resignation and quoted the Bombay high court order of October 13 which states that the state had sought time on the ground that it is in the process of collecting further data on the basis of which it intends to file additional affidavit. It also requested that the matter be adjourned for a longer period after Diwali vacation.

Mr Rane said contrary to what the state counsel told the court, Mr Fadnavis on the same day told reporters that the state had not sought additional time. Mr Rane also said the Fadnavis government had not filed any affidavit since it came to power in October 2014.

“The government does not intend to give the Maratha community its rightful reservation. It has no concern for the grievances raised by the community through its silent morchas in different parts of the state,” he said and alleged that Fadnavis had hurt the sentiments of the Maratha community.

“We will move a no confidence motion against Fadnavis during the Winter Session in Nagpur and a privilege motion in the Legislative Council,” he said.

The Congress will seek the support of all non-BJP parties, including Sena for the no-confidence motion, Mr Rane added.

The previous Congress-NCP government had provided 16 per cent reservation to the community based on social, educational and economic backwardness and Mr Rane had led the committee that prepared the report recommending reservation for Marathas without touching the existing quota.