Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Fadnavis Grants Drivers Marathi Extension Amid Delhi Pressure Claims
Maharashtra had required commercial drivers to know some Marathi.
Some autorickshaw and taxi drivers asked for more time to learn it.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave them one year.
During that year, officials will not take action against them for this issue.
Sanjay Raut said the decision happened because of pressure from leaders in Delhi.
He also suggested it was meant to show that Fadnavis was in charge.
Driver unions welcomed the extra time.
The government had announced the language requirement earlier and had recently tested some drivers.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave autorickshaw and taxi drivers one year to learn functional Marathi.
Sanjay Raut alleged the extension followed pressure from Delhi and was directed at the BJP’s Shiv Sena ally.
Raut said the decision was politically influenced by upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
Autorickshaw and taxi unions welcomed the extension, saying it removed an immediate threat to drivers’ livelihoods.
The Transport Department had recently issued notices to drivers who failed Marathi working-knowledge tests.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, the state Transport Department, and autorickshaw and taxi drivers.
- What
- The government granted commercial drivers one year to acquire functional knowledge of Marathi, during which no action will be taken against them over the requirement.
- When
- The extension was announced a day before August 27, according to the report; the original requirement was announced in April.
- Where
- Maharashtra, particularly in relation to drivers operating in Mumbai.
- Why
- The extension followed demands from migrant, non-native drivers for more time; Raut alleged it resulted from pressure from Delhi, while observers linked it to upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
Raut’s Criticism
Government And Driver Unions
Reason for the extension
Raut’s Criticism
Sanjay Raut alleged that pressure from Delhi forced Devendra Fadnavis to roll back immediate enforcement and grant the extension.
Government And Driver Unions
The government said it was responding to demands from migrant, non-native drivers who needed more time to learn functional Marathi.
Political significance
Raut’s Criticism
Raut said the announcement was intended to remind Mahayuti allies, including Shiv Sena, that they must listen to the person who succeeds the incumbent chief minister.
Government And Driver Unions
Political observers linked the timing to next year’s Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, while driver unions focused on the extension’s effect on livelihoods.
Impact on drivers
Raut’s Criticism
Raut argued that the issue concerned the Marathi language and suggested the policy change reflected political pressure rather than language policy alone.
Government And Driver Unions
Autorickshaw and taxi unions said the extra year removed the immediate threat to drivers’ livelihoods.
- Extension period
- One year to learn functional Marathi
- Affected workers
- Autorickshaw and taxi drivers
- Original requirement
- Commercial drivers were required to have functional knowledge of Marathi
- Government assurance
- No action would be taken during the one-year period
- Recent enforcement
- The Transport Department issued notices to drivers who failed Marathi working-knowledge tests
- Previous penalty plan
- Drivers were to receive one month to learn Marathi, after which badges could be suspended for three months
- Union response
- Autorickshaw and taxi unions welcomed the extension