Mumbai, April 24: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday expressed support for the Maharashtra government's decision to make Marathi language compulsory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, while firmly opposing the accompanying proposal to cancel the licences of drivers who cannot speak the language. The minister's nuanced stance draws a clear line between language promotion and economic punishment of the poor.

The Maharashtra Government's Marathi Mandate

Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had announced that effective May 1 — Maharashtra Day — all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in the state must have working knowledge of Marathi. Failure to comply, Sarnaik warned, could result in the cancellation of their driving licences.

The announcement immediately sparked debate across political circles, with questions raised about its impact on the large number of non-Marathi-speaking migrant drivers who depend on their licences for their livelihoods. The Mumbai metropolitan region alone is home to tens of thousands of drivers who hail from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Athawale's Conditional Support

Speaking to reporters, Athawale acknowledged the practical necessity of drivers knowing Marathi, citing the difficulties faced by passengers — particularly low-income commuters — who are not fluent in Hindi and struggle to communicate destinations or negotiate fares.

"It is necessary for those drivers to know the language because many poor people do not know Hindi and come from far-off places," the minister stated. He also noted that the government has planned Marathi language classes for drivers who are not yet proficient, adding that several non-Marathi drivers already speak the language adequately.

However, Athawale drew a firm line at licence cancellation. "It would be an injustice to cancel the licences of those poor people. They can learn to speak Marathi, but their licence should not be cancelled," he said, signalling a rift within the ruling alliance over the policy's implementation.

Deeper Impact: Migrant Drivers at the Crossroads

This policy lands at a politically sensitive moment. Maharashtra has historically been a flashpoint for nativist politics, with organisations like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and factions within the Shiv Sena having long demanded preferential treatment for Marathi-speaking locals in employment and public services. The current government's move can be seen as a response to this persistent political pressure.

Critics, however, argue that singling out auto and taxi drivers — among the most economically vulnerable urban workers — for language-based licence revocation sets a dangerous precedent. According to available transport data, lakhs of drivers across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik are migrants who have been operating legally for years. Stripping their licences without adequate transition time could push thousands into unemployment overnight.

Notably, the government's own acknowledgment that Marathi classes will be arranged suggests an awareness that the hard deadline may be aspirational rather than enforceable. The real test will be whether the state builds accessible, free, and widespread language training infrastructure before May 1.

Athawale on West Bengal Polls and Voter Turnout

Separately, Athawale commented on the high voter turnout recorded during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and the first phase of West Bengal polls, calling it a sign of strengthening democracy. "Over 90 per cent polling in West Bengal reflects that no one could indulge in hooliganism this time," he said, taking a pointed jab at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

He credited central security forces for maintaining order during polling and reiterated his demand for a law mandating compulsory voting across India. Athawale also defended Union Home Minister Amit Shah's strong warning to political 'goons' in Bengal, saying the BJP was committed to ending electoral violence in the state.

What Comes Next

With May 1, Maharashtra Day, fast approaching, the state government faces pressure to clarify the exact enforcement mechanism of the Marathi mandate. Athawale's public dissent — coming from within the ruling NDA alliance — may compel the Maharashtra government to revisit the licence cancellation clause and introduce a more graduated compliance framework. Civil society groups and driver unions are expected to mount legal challenges if the policy is implemented without adequate safeguards. All eyes are now on Transport Minister Sarnaik's next move.