Political parties are now in a race to woo non-Marathi voters, turning language classes into a campaign tool. With the Marathi test for auto and taxi drivers set to be enforced, both Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray’s MNS have begun outreach efforts, attempting to balance regional identity and electoral arithmetic.

Soft push

Initially, when the order was issued, protests erupted, with pro-Marathi groups warning of consequences for those opposing the enforcement of the rule mandating Marathi for drivers. Now, parties are offering coaching classes to help drivers adapt, signalling a shift from confrontation to facilitation.