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

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticized Maharashtra's decision to assess taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers based on their understanding of Marathi, arguing that language should not be politicized. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister expressed his concerns on X, sharing a video of North Indian drivers in Mumbai struggling with their licenses being suspended due to their inability to speak Marathi.

Yadav emphasized that every state's mother tongue should be respected and promoted, but no single language should be used for political gain, as it could distance and divide the nation's linguistic unity. Targeting the BJP, Yadav questioned whether this language requirement for drivers from other states might infringe on their constitutional right to work across the country.

He also posed the question of why a similar condition should not be imposed on foreign companies operating in Mumbai. Yadav accused the BJP of targeting poor and disadvantaged sections of society and suggested that commercial interests might be behind attempts to restrict auto-rickshaws. He warned that forcing drivers to perform under mental pressure could put both drivers and passengers at risk.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the new requirement, stating that taxi, auto-rickshaw, and app-based cab drivers must have a working knowledge of Marathi. The 16-question test is part of a statewide campaign launched to protect Marathi language, identity, and culture. Sarnaik claimed that the government's aim was not to harm anyone's livelihood but to safeguard the Marathi language.

He noted that 1.65 lakh drivers had already completed Marathi training and received certificates during a previous 105-day campaign.