Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Defends Marathi Requirement For Auto And Taxi Drivers
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has strongly defended the move to make Marathi compulsory for auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra, arguing that every state in India gives importance to its regional language and Maharashtra should be no different.
Speaking in Mumbai, Raut said that if states like West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Punjab prioritise their own languages, there should be no objection when Maharashtra seeks the same for Marathi.
‘Every State Has Its Own Language Priority,’ Says Raut
Backing the proposal, Sanjay Raut pointed out that regional languages are already widely recognised as essential in other states.
He said that Bengali is important in West Bengal, Gujarati in Gujarat, Kannada in Karnataka, and Punjabi in Punjab, and therefore making Marathi compulsory in Maharashtra should not be viewed as controversial.
According to him, the demand is about respecting Maharashtra’s identity and ensuring that the local language receives the recognition it deserves.
Raut Slams Vote Bank Politics Over Language Debate
Raut also accused critics of opposing the Marathi requirement for political reasons, saying the language issue should not be reduced to vote bank politics.
He suggested that opposing Marathi in Maharashtra amounts to disrespecting the state’s cultural identity merely to protect electoral interests.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said such political calculations would not succeed and that Marathi must be given the same importance in Maharashtra as other regional languages receive in their states.
‘Knowing Marathi Will Benefit Drivers,’ Raut Says
Emphasising the practical side of the proposal, Raut said learning Marathi would actually benefit auto and taxi drivers by helping them communicate better with local passengers.
He argued that knowledge of the regional language would improve daily interactions and make public transport services smoother for both commuters and drivers.
According to Raut, the move is not intended to target anyone but to ensure that drivers working in Maharashtra are better connected with the people they serve.
Language Politics Returns To Centre Stage In Maharashtra
Raut’s remarks have once again brought the issue of language politics in Maharashtra into focus, where debates around Marathi identity often become politically sensitive.
The proposal to make Marathi compulsory for transport drivers has sparked discussions about balancing regional identity with the realities of migrant labour in metropolitan cities like Mumbai.
Supporters say the move strengthens Marathi identity, while critics argue that such measures must be implemented without alienating workers from other states.
