Nagpur: Congress MLA Nana Patole criticised the Maharashtra Government on Saturday for its decision to make Marathi language compulsory for auto taxi drivers in the State, describing the move as “nothing but a foolish idea” and an attempt to break Maharashtra and destroy its heritage.
Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Patole said, “The government seems intent on bringing about its own downfall. We are Indians, and our nation’s identity lies in its diversity of languages, religions, and castes… To attempt to break Maharashtra based on language and destroy its heritage is nothing but a foolish idea.”
Gold Rate
Apr 09,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi also expressed opposition to the policy, stating that it is unfair to pressure students and emphasising that each state has its own language. He told the media, “Every state has its own language. If it’s to be made compulsory, schools should teach Marathi first, especially for those who aren’t proficient. Every country has its own language, so where will Hindi, the national language, be spoken?”
Azmi added, “If you want people to learn Marathi, provide books and classes, don’t pressure them.”
The controversy follows an announcement by State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik that Marathi will be mandatory for autorickshaw and taxi drivers across Maharashtra. Sarnaik clarified at a press conference that the rule applies statewide, not just in Mira Bhayandar as previously reported.
The Transport Minister warned that checks will be conducted by May 1, and action will be taken against those who do not comply. Under the new requirements, drivers must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak Marathi. The initiative, which aims to address irregularities in the issuance of transport licences, will be rolled out across the state over time as a pilot project.
