Non-Marathi rickshaw drivers protest, assault case registered in Kandivali

A case of assault has been registered in Kandivali after a Marathi rickshaw driver was attacked by three to four non-Marathi drivers who also damaged his vehicle. This incident has brought to light the ongoing tension between Marathi and non-Marathi rickshaw drivers over the government's mandate for Marathi language usage. Following the assault, a formal complaint was filed at the Kandivali police station, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena detained a non-Marathi driver, surrendering him to the police.

In response, a group of non-Marathi drivers called for a three-day strike, protesting the directive to speak Marathi, stating they prefer to speak in Bhojpuri and Hindi. Some drivers have openly expressed their reluctance to learn Marathi, citing their age and lack of formal education as reasons. They are worried about the fines imposed, which range from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000, which they cannot afford.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has warned that any stubbornness on the part of the drivers will be dealt with strictly, intensifying the already heated dispute. This ongoing conflict has highlighted the broader debate over language enforcement for public transport operators in Mumbai, drawing attention from political parties and the MNS.