MNS Leader Amit Thackeray Issues Stern Warning Over Marathi Language Mandate for Drivers

MUMBAI – Tensions have flared in Maharashtra as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray issued a provocative ultimatum to auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, warning of potential physical retaliation if they continue to insist that passengers converse in Hindi or behave rudely.

The heated remarks follow a controversial decision by the Maharashtra government to grant public transport operators a one-year extension to acquire functional proficiency in the Marathi language. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the move, explaining that the grace period was a response to requests from driver organizations, which cited the diverse educational backgrounds and age demographics of the workforce.

“We Will Beat Them”: A Sharp Warning

Amit Thackeray, however, has rejected the leniency, framing the linguistic dispute as a matter of regional pride and dignity. In a public address, he made it clear that the MNS would take matters into its own hands regarding complaints of misconduct.

“If it comes to our notice that an auto-rickshaw driver is speaking in Hindi or behaving rudely, then we will beat them,” Thackeray stated bluntly. “If you trouble people, you will get beaten up. Don’t tell people that they have to speak the language of Uttar Pradesh or that they have to speak Hindi. We will speak in Marathi. You understand that much.”

Political Allegations and Regional Pride

Thackeray leveled strong accusations against Chief Minister Fadnavis, alleging that the extension is a calculated political maneuver aimed at the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections rather than a genuine concern for the transit sector.

“Give them a 10-year extension. Give them a 15-year extension. We have understood how much affection you have for the Marathi language and for our state,” Thackeray remarked sarcastically. He drew parallels to other Indian states, noting, “You go to Gujarat, Punjab, or the South—everywhere there is an attachment to one’s own language. Now, because the UP elections are coming, you are giving a one-year extension.”

Expressing his disappointment with the current state leadership, he added, “What kind of desperation has come upon you that we should set aside our own language and our own state? Somewhere, as a Chief Minister, you should take a stand.”

Internal Coalition Friction

The language row has also highlighted internal cracks within the ruling coalition. Addressing the reported friction between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena over the issue, Thackeray suggested that the parties need to reconcile their conflicting priorities.

“Somewhere, Shiv Sena has a desire to stand for the Marathi language, but it is being opposed because there are elections in another state,” he observed.

As the political discourse intensifies, this Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader’s stance signals a growing challenge for the state government in balancing national political alliances with regional linguistic identity.