MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the state government’s decision to make Marathi mandatory for auto and taxi drivers from May 1, 2026, while asserting that any violence over the issue will not be tolerated.
The state transport department has mandated that auto and taxi drivers operating in Maharashtra must be able to speak basic Marathi. As per the decision, drivers who fail to do so may face non-renewal of their licences at the time of renewal.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has opposed the move, saying it could deprive several non-Marathi speakers of their livelihood and should not be made compulsory. In contrast, Raj Thackeray-led MNS and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have backed the decision taken by Transport Minister and Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik.
Reacting to the controversy, Fadnavis said that those living and working in Maharashtra should know the local language, adding that the demand was not unreasonable. However, he stressed that the issue should not lead to violence.
“If some auto and taxi drivers are unable to speak Marathi, they should not worry. The government will help them learn the language. No injustice will be done to anyone, but violence in the name of language will not be tolerated,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state government has roped in several Marathi literary figures and organisations to conduct classes and develop simplified learning material for non-Marathi drivers. These organisations will hold training sessions across the state for those willing to learn the language.