Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reiterated his government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of both Marathas and OBCs amid fresh protests over the reservation issue.

CM Fadnavis said that the BJP-led government had no intention of creating conflict between the two communities. His remarks came a day before Maratha leader Manoj Jarange is scheduled to begin an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai, pressing for quota benefits, according to the news agency PTI.

Jarange has been demanding that all Marathas be officially recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste that falls under the OBC category, which would make the community eligible for reservation in government jobs and education. However, the demand has sparked opposition from OBC leaders, who fear it could dilute their existing share of benefits.