'We'll beat them up': MNS warns Hindi-speaking auto drivers, takes shot at CM

MNS leader Amit Thackeray has threatened auto-rickshaw drivers in Maharashtra who speak Hindi or act rudely, vowing to physically confront them if they are found misbehaving. The state government's decision to extend the deadline for a Marathi language requirement has come under criticism from Thackeray, who accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of being influenced by the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Thackeray argued that the extension was unfair to those working in the profession, many of whom are older and have limited education. The Maharashtra government had previously made practical knowledge of Marathi mandatory for drivers, including auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers, as of August 12. Those unable to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi could face a three-month suspension of their driving licence, with repeat offenders facing permanent cancellation.

On August 22, the Maharashtra Transport Department assessed the Marathi language skills of all commercial passenger vehicle drivers, testing a total of 5,211 drivers across the state. Of the 777 drivers issued notices, 722 were from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.