Fadnavis: Only democracy could take someone like me to the CM's chair

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday pitched his personal journey alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's as concrete proof of the strength of India's democracy and its Constitution, which enable an ordinary person to reach the highest constitutional offices.

Interacting with young audiences during the "Manthan 4 Yuva" event here, Fadnavis fielded questions on civic engagement and leadership, marking a major outreach effort at a time when political parties are intensifying efforts to reach Gen Z voters ahead of upcoming elections.

"It isn't easy; our Constitution has given democracy in this country," Fadnavis said during a Question and Answers session. 

"The beauty of this democracy is that someone like Devendra Fadnavis, who might never even have imagined becoming a corporator, reached the post of chief minister, or the boy who sold tea at a railway station in Gujarat became the country's Prime Minister."

Recalling his early days in public life, Fadnavis said that he entered politics driven solely by ideological conviction during a period when the party sat firmly on the opposition benches.

"We used to think we were born to do politics as the Opposition... but somehow the public showed faith, and step by step, climbing one rung at a time, one day I got the responsibility of being Maharashtra's chief minister," he said, reiterating that politics remains a vital instrument for socio-economic change.

The outreach to the younger generation reflects a strategic shift across the political spectrum as thousands of Gen Z and first-time voters join the electoral rolls. Political parties in Maharashtra and across the country are increasingly relying on youth-focused conclaves, digital campaigns, and targeted policy messaging to engage a demographic that prioritises career growth, startup support, and transparent governance over traditional political patronage.

The chief minister recalled his battles, including spending 18 days in Badaun central jail at age 20 during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

"I went to Prayagraj; from there I went toward Ayodhya. That was one of the first times I saw how speeches and rhetoric work. We were fired on, beaten with sticks, and arrested. At 20, I spent 18 days in the central jail at Badaun. I returned and then went back to the movement. And when the Babri Masjid structure was demolished in 1992, I was there. I am very proud of that," he said.

Asked about measures taken to nurture startups in the state, Fadnavis said the government prepared a good policy for the startup ecosystem, set up funds, created incubation centres, and is now decentralising them.

"Any child from a tier-3 city who has an idea and wants to transform it into a commercial product will get full help and 100 per cent support," he assured.

To a query whether the government will frame a policy to reduce screentime for children, Fadnavis said there was a need to reduce screen time, and there should be deliberations on this.

"Being on screen isn't entirely wrong. As you know, our economy is growing, and content creators are building a large economy and creating livelihoods. But there has to be a balance," he said.