{
  "id": 3932186,
  "title": "'We will beat them': MNS warns auto and taxi drivers after Maharashtra gives one-year extension to learn Marathi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/we-will-beat-them-mns-warns-auto-and-taxi-drivers-after-maharashtra",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T09:47:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/we-will-beat-them-mns-amit-raj-thackeray-warns-auto-drivers-as-govt-gives-one-year-marathi-extension-101787908288474.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MNS leader Amit Thackeray has warned auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers against treating passengers poorly or insisting they speak only Hindi, threatening retaliation against those who do. The Maharashtra government recently granted drivers a one-year extension to learn functional Marathi, according to ANI. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis explained that driver organizations requested more time due to their diverse ages and educational backgrounds. Thackeray vowed that the MNS would take action if complaints arise, stating, \"If it comes to our notice that an auto-rickshaw driver is speaking in Hindi or behaving rudely, then we will beat them.\" He criticized Fadnavis for prioritizing political considerations related to the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections over the Marathi language, suggesting longer extensions if necessary. Thackeray also expressed concerns over the BJP and Shiv Sena's internal disagreements over the Marathi language issue, urging the two parties to address their disputes directly.",
  "summary": "Thackeray's remarks came after the Maharashtra government on Thursday gave auto-rickshaw, taxi and cab drivers one year to learn functional Marathi.",
  "key_points": [
    "MNS leader Amit Thackeray warns auto-taxis against poor passenger treatment",
    "Maharashtra extends one-year Marathi learning deadline for drivers",
    "MNS threatens retaliation if Hindi-speaking, rude drivers reported"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "WATCH: Mumbai Auto Drivers Celebrate As Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Gives One-Year Extension To Learn Marathi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/watch-mumbai-auto-drivers-celebrate-as-maharashtra-cm-fadnavis-gives",
        "published": "2026-08-28T11:48:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}