‘Why Not Foreign Companies?’ Akhilesh Yadav Hits Out At Maharashtra Govt Over Marathi Test For Drivers

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the Maharashtra government's decision to assess taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers on their working knowledge of Marathi, saying language should not be politicised.

In a post on X on Sunday, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister shared a video purportedly showing North Indian auto-rickshaw drivers in Mumbai speaking about their difficulties after their licences were reportedly suspended over their inability to speak Marathi.

“Every state's mother tongue should be respected and promoted, but no language should be politicised,” Yadav said, warning that such an approach could create divisions in the country's linguistic and emotional unity.

Targeting the BJP, Yadav questioned whether imposing a language requirement on people seeking to work in another state could violate their constitutional right to carry out a profession across the country. He also asked why a similar condition should not apply to foreign companies operating in Mumbai.

Yadav alleged that the BJP's policies disproportionately affect poor and disadvantaged sections and questioned whether commercial interests could be behind attempts to restrict auto-rickshaws.

He further warned that forcing drivers to work under mental pressure could pose risks to both drivers and passengers.

The remarks come after Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that taxi, auto-rickshaw and app-based cab drivers would be required to have working knowledge of Marathi. As part of a statewide campaign launched on Thursday, RTO teams are conducting a 16-question test for drivers.

Those unable to provide satisfactory answers are being given a month's notice and warned that their badges could be suspended if they fail to meet the requirement subsequently.

Sarnaik said the government did not intend to affect anyone's livelihood but wanted to protect Marathi language, Maharashtra's identity and culture. He said 1.65 lakh drivers had already undergone Marathi training and received certificates during an earlier 105-day campaign.