Marathi compulsory rule for auto drivers draws concern from BJP allies in Bihar, UP
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The Maharashtra government’s move to make Marathi compulsory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers has triggered criticism and caution from political leaders in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, including allies of the BJP-led NDA.
Last month, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that from May 1, licensed auto and taxi drivers would be required to read, write, and speak Marathi, warning that those unable to do so could risk losing their licences.
However, the state government later deferred strict implementation and announced a 100-day verification and enforcement drive after discussions with auto and taxi unions. The unions had sought more time and opposed mandatory reading and writing tests. The government has now adopted a phased approach focused on “functional Marathi” and training.
Reacting to the proposal, BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan said the party supports both cultural diversity and national unity. “Respecting the Marathi language and Maharashtra’s identity is important, but India’s spirit also dictates that every citizen should have equal opportunity anywhere in the country,” he told The Indian Express.
JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said non-Marathi taxi drivers who have lived in Maharashtra for years should be given adequate time to learn the language.
UP minister and NISHAD Party chief Sanjay Nishad said making a regional language mandatory could disturb harmony if proper training arrangements are not made first.
Opposition parties were more critical.
RJD spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha called the order “dictatorial” and said language politics disrupts social harmony. Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar said the move went against India’s federal structure and constitutional rights.
Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey warned the policy could hurt migrant workers from eastern Uttar Pradesh, many of whom work as taxi drivers in Maharashtra. He said around one lakh voters from his constituency alone are employed in the state.
Congress leaders in Uttar Pradesh also expressed concern, saying many families in the region depend on income sent home by migrant workers employed in Maharashtra.
