25 April,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
A traffic cop checks documents of an auto driver. FILE PIC/RANE ASHISH
What began as a simple language rule is now turning into a political flashpoint in Maharashtra. The government's move to enforce compulsory Marathi rule for auto and taxi drivers has drawn mixed reactions.
While Deputy Chief Minister Eknah Shinde-led Shiv Sena has backed the decision, at the same time, the issue has handed fresh ammunition to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which is once again pushing its core plank of Marathi pride and identity.
On Friday, Sena and MNS workers came face to face on the streets in Dahisar over the issue, which turned into a tense situation and law and order problem.
A leader from the Shiv Sena camp, Sanjay Nirupam, has backed the move but with a note of caution. On Friday, he said making Marathi mandatory is a good step, as people working in the state should respect and learn the local language. However, he raised concerns over the proposal to cancel permits if drivers end up failing the language test.
"The government should give auto and taxi drivers enough time to learn Marathi. Taking immediate action could leave many of them unemployed, leading to survival problems for these drivers and those dependent on them," Nirupam said.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday reiterated that all autorickshaw, taxi, app-based cab, and bike taxi drivers must know Marathi, with the new rule set to be implemented from May 1, Maharashtra Day. To enforce this, the Transport Department will carry out a licence inspection drive across its 59 regional and sub-regional offices. During these checks, officials will assess whether drivers can read and write Marathi. Those who fail the test risk losing their permits and licences.
On Friday, Nirupam visited an area near Dahisar, where he urged North Indian auto and taxi drivers to make an effort to learn Marathi, stressing that it is important to respect and understand the local language. However, the MNS workers protested against Nirupam's visit. The Sena leader, speaking to the media, stated that he has come in support of learning Marathi and accused MNS of doing politics on the issue.
While the auto and taxi unions have threatened a strike, Sarnaik and MNS leaders expressed displeasure with the rigid behaviour of migrant drivers. Sarnaik said that if anyone has issues, they should discuss and not threaten to go on strike. MNS leaders warned that if the unions go on strike, they will support drives plying on the streets and deal in their style with those who refuse to ply.
