Marathi Test For Drivers: MNS Holds Street Classes, Amit Thackeray Warns 'Will Beat You' As May 1 Nears

Last Updated:April 24, 2026, 13:33 IST

'Marathi For Drivers' Protest: Go ahead, it makes no difference, MNS leader Amit Thackeray said, and warned that any protest against Marathi drivers would be met with retaliation.

With Maharashtra’s Marathi language mandate for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers set to kick in on May 1, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has moved from protest to classroom — setting up roadside Marathi lessons for drivers across Mumbai, while political tempers rise on all sides.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has been unambiguous about the government’s intent. It is the responsibility of the state, he said, that all auto-rickshaw drivers, taxi drivers and those working with app-based platforms like Rapido, Ola, Uber and bike taxis should know Marathi.

He pointed to a recurring problem: passengers who speak only Marathi sitting in cabs driven by those who speak only Hindi — leading to disputes, and in some cases, even FIRs.

A special meeting has been called for April 24, bringing together language experts, litterateurs and administrative officials to finalise a training plan for non-Marathi speaking drivers.

What Is MNS Doing On The Streets?

MNS leaders and workers have set up makeshift Marathi learning sessions for auto-rickshaw drivers across Mumbai — many of them migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who have operated in the city for years.

As part of the same drive, posters are being pasted on autos declaring that the driver knows Marathi. A similar campaign has been launched in Goregaon, where drivers are being mobilised to display boards reading “I Know Marathi" on their vehicles.

Where Has Tension Flared?

The debate has already turned confrontational in Mira Bhayandar. MNS workers staged a fierce protest during a meeting where advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte was addressing auto union officials about driver grievances.

The situation turned into a heated standoff, with police intervening and detaining several MNS activists.

MNS leader Amit Thackeray backed the mandate firmly, dismissing threats of a strike by non-Marathi drivers. “Go ahead, it makes no difference," he said — but warned that any aggressive protest against Marathi drivers would be met with retaliation.

Are Unions Pushing Back?

Yes, and loudly. Auto Rickshaw and Taximen Union president Shashank Rao has threatened statewide protests from May 4 if the rule is not withdrawn.

KK Tiwari of the BJP Taxi-Rickshaw Aghadi warned the rule could become an avenue for corruption, with certificates being issued for money.

On the ground, drivers like Ramesh Yadav, a taxi driver from Uttar Pradesh, was quoted by Free Press Journal as saying they are willing to learn but want assurance that their earnings will not be affected while they do so.

Who Else Is Weighing In?

The political noise is growing louder. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has backed the mandate, saying that protesting against it amounts to disrespecting the language and the state providing employment. But from within the ruling Shiv Sena, former MP Sanjay Nirupam has urged a rethink — arguing that language should be promoted through encouragement, not fear.

With May 1 just days away and no sign of a rollback, the streets of Mumbai may have more to say before the classrooms do.

News cities mumbai-news Marathi Test For Drivers: MNS Holds Street Classes, Amit Thackeray Warns 'Will Beat You' As May 1 Nears

Read More