Maharashtra Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik has hit back at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over his criticism of the state government’s Marathi language directive for auto-rickshaw, taxi and cab drivers.
Responding to Yadav’s comments and the protests by some auto-rickshaw drivers, Sarnaik said the SP chief should focus on political issues in Uttar Pradesh rather than intervening in Maharashtra’s affairs.
“All I would like to tell Akhilesh Yadav is that he should think about Uttar Pradesh elections and not Maharashtra politics,” Sarnaik said.
The Maharashtra minister defended the government’s emphasis on Marathi, saying the state has always been conscious of its culture and identity. He also argued that Maharashtra has provided employment opportunities to people from North India for decades.
“Maharashtra is a state which is always mindful of culture and honour. For the past several years, North Indian people did not get employment opportunities, due to which Maharashtra has been providing livelihood to North Indians for the last 40-50 years,” he said.
Sarnaik further claimed that the Mahayuti government was focused on creating employment rather than taking jobs away from people.
“Mahayuti Govt is a govt which provides employment, and does not snatch it away,” he said.
Targeting Akhilesh Yadav personally, Sarnaik referred to his family’s political background and said Maharashtra had welcomed people from Uttar Pradesh when employment opportunities there were limited.
“You are a former CM of Uttar Pradesh, your father was a also a CM of Uttar Pradesh. You could not generate employment during your tenure, so these people came to Maharashtra and we accepted them,” Sarnaik said.
“We supported them like our brothers,” he added.
Sarnaik also accused Yadav of trying to turn the language issue into a political matter ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh.
“Don’t make this an election agenda in UP by politicising this,” the Maharashtra minister said.
Marathi Classes For Auto And Taxi Drivers
Explaining the government’s plan, Sarnaik said steps had been taken to help drivers learn Marathi rather than immediately penalising those who do not know the language.
“At 180 locations in the state, we have appointed 1600-1800 teachers (to teach Marathi),” he said.
According to Sarnaik, the government wants drivers to communicate with passengers in Marathi while respecting the linguistic and cultural identity of Maharashtra.
“All we are saying is that have a convsersation in Marathi with passengers, upholding Marathi pride and culture,” he said.
He added that drivers would be given time to learn the language before any action is taken against them.
“You will be given 1-month time and 3-month time later,” Sarnaik said.
“If you are still unable to learn Marathi, your badge will be cancelled,” he warned.
Sarnaik concluded by stressing that Maharashtra would continue to provide livelihood opportunities but said those working in the state should also respect its cultural identity.
“Because this is Maharashtra. The state knows how to provide livelihood, but it is the responsibility of every Indian to respect Maharashtra’s pride and culture,” he said.
