The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) accused the Mahayuti government of easing its stance on enforcing Marathi language use by licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra. Initially set for May 1, the deadline has now been extended to August 15, allowing a grace period for learning the language. The move has been labeled a retreat by critics.
The party’s mouthpiece, ‘Saamna,’ highlighted the issue of non-local drivers in Mumbai who often refuse to speak Marathi, leading to communication problems and conflicts with passengers. While Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the rule’s enforcement delay until August 15 to aid driver language learning, the Shiv Sena emphasized the historical importance of Marathi in Mumbai.
The editorial underscored the Shiv Sena’s role in upholding Marathi’s significance in the city and criticized the BJP for its silence on the matter. It also called the government’s extension of the Marathi rule deadline a weak decision, urging a firm stance on language enforcement. The Shiv Sena emphasized the cultural and administrative importance of Marathi in Maharashtra, urging continued efforts to protect and promote the language.
