Maharashtra Minister Alleges Political Sabotage Amid Row Over Mandatory Marathi for Drivers
Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has accused certain political leaders of attempting to manufacture a “Marathi-Hindi” controversy in Mumbai and Thane, alleging that the regional tension is being artificially stoked with an eye on upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The controversy stems from the state government’s recent mandate requiring autorickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers to possess a working knowledge of the Marathi language. The policy has triggered protests and legal challenges, while also becoming a flashpoint for identity politics in the state’s urban centers.
Minister Denies Fines, Alleges Rumor-Mongering
During a press briefing at Mantralaya on Tuesday, Sarnaik sought to allay the concerns of non-Marathi speaking drivers. He categorically denied reports that drivers were being coerced into paying exorbitant fines—purportedly between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000—for failing to speak the language.
“An attempt is being made to deliberately create a controversy between Hindi and Marathi in society and spoil the atmosphere,” Sarnaik said, labeling the narrative as a deliberate misinformation campaign. He alleged that political figures are using social media to circulate misleading videos of vehicles being transported to North India, set to emotionally charged music, to create a false sense of panic among the migrant community.
To mitigate the confusion, Sarnaik announced the revival of language training centers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the launch of a dedicated helpline for drivers to access learning resources.
Legal and Social Tensions Rise
The mandate has faced significant pushback. On Tuesday, four cab drivers filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, challenging the government’s August 12 notification. The petitioners argue that the requirement violates fundamental rights, including the right to equality (Article 14) and the freedom to practice a profession (Article 19). They further claim the rule is inconsistent with the central Motor Vehicles Act, which does not stipulate language proficiency as a prerequisite for driving.
On the ground, tensions have manifested in violent confrontations. In Mumbai’s Kandivali area, a Marathi-speaking autorickshaw driver was allegedly assaulted by a group of non-Marathi drivers after he refused to participate in a strike against the mandate. Following the incident, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) installed warning boards in the locality, declaring that they would not tolerate commuters being held to ransom.
The Political Undercurrents
Observers point out that Mumbai and Thane are home to a massive population of migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who represent a crucial voting bloc. Sarnaik suggested that the timing of the protests, which coincide with the lead-up to elections in North Indian states, is far from coincidental.
While union leader Shashank Rao stated that the government has agreed to a three-month grace period for drivers to gain proficiency, the broader political fallout continues to simmer. Under the current rules, drivers who fail to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi face a one-month suspension of their badge, followed by an additional three-month period to improve before their permit faces permanent cancellation.
As the state navigates this Marathi-Hindi controversy, the administration continues to urge drivers to ignore rumors and utilize the state-sponsored training facilities to ensure they remain compliant with the new local regulations.
