Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed a gathering of the Chitpavan Brahmin community in Nashik on Sunday. He emphasised the need to eliminate caste-based discrimination while acknowledging the enduring presence of caste identities in Indian society, reported news agency ANI.

Speaking at the event organised by the Chitpavan Brahmin community, CM Fadnavis lauded the community`s historic contributions to social reform and national development.

"It is often said that the caste system should not exist, but the truth is that caste never really disappears. It would be more appropriate to say that caste-based discrimination should not exist. It is our responsibility to eliminate this discrimination. To remove this discrimination, we have to face many challenges," he said, reported ANI.