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.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pic/Ashish Raje
Licence drive
Amid the growing face-off, Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has stood firm, reiterating that all autorickshaw and taxi drivers must know Marathi. Authorities will begin to enforce the rule from May 1. To enforce it, the Transport Department plans a statewide licence inspection drive across 59 regional and sub-regional offices. During these checks, drivers will be assessed on their ability to read and write Marathi, with failure potentially leading to suspension of permits and licences.
No conflict
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Expecting drivers to learn the local language is reasonable, but the issue must not lead to conflict or confrontation”.
Meeting call
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has called a meeting with representatives of various auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers’ associations, along with union leaders Shashanka Rao and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, to discuss making “practical Marathi” mandatory for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers. The meeting will be held today, April 27, afternoon, in transport minister office at Mantralaya. The main focus will be on the need for drivers, especially those from outside Maharashtra, to have a basic working knowledge of Marathi, as well as the steps being taken by the government to help them learn the language.
Strike threat
Auto and taxi unions opposing the move plan to go off the roads in the first week of May. However, sections within the community fear such action could backfire and escalate tensions.
Vote math
Mumbai, with an estimated population of 1.4 crore, is believed to have nearly 60 per cent non-Marathi residents. It is no surprise then that even parties that have previously raised concerns over migration are now trying to woo this sizeable segment, aiming to expand their political base and strengthen their vote bank.
