“Learn Marathi or Leave”: Pratap Sarnaik’s Tough Warning as Maharashtra Enforces Language Rule from May 1

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has sent a strong message to taxi and rickshaw drivers across the state, declaring that knowing Marathi is mandatory for anyone working or doing business in Maharashtra. In a sharp statement that is likely to trigger political debate, Sarnaik said the government will begin strict enforcement from May 1, making it clear that the state will not tolerate those who ignore the local language.

Speaking at a public event in Thane, Sarnaik said it is unacceptable for people to earn a livelihood in Maharashtra while refusing to learn Marathi. He asserted that respect for the state language is non-negotiable and that the government will stand firm even if the decision faces protests.

He said, “If you want to work in Maharashtra, you must know Marathi. You cannot live here, do business here, and still ignore the language of the state.”

The minister said the policy is not a new decision, explaining that the rule has existed since 2019, but enforcement will now become much stricter through the Regional Transport Office (RTO). According to him, the focus will initially be on drivers of taxis and auto-rickshaws, who are expected to communicate with passengers in Marathi.

Sarnaik revealed that in Mira Bhayander, authorities are already reviewing the status of drivers who do not speak Marathi. A detailed report is expected by April 29, after which officials will meet again on April 30 to finalise the next phase of enforcement.

Making the government’s stand clear, Sarnaik said there would be no rollback under political pressure, and warned that protests would not stop the implementation. He insisted that every state expects workers to know the local language and Maharashtra has every right to demand the same.

He said, “In every state, people are expected to know the local language. Why should Maharashtra be any different? We will not step back because of protests.”

The minister’s remarks have added fresh intensity to the ongoing language debate in Maharashtra, where the issue of Marathi identity often becomes politically sensitive. With stricter enforcement now on the horizon, the announcement could directly affect thousands of commercial drivers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and beyond.

While the language issue dominated the headlines, Sarnaik also highlighted a major development project in his Ovala-Majivda constituency, where he inaugurated a large-scale well revival initiative aimed at improving access to clean drinking water.

The project involves restoring neglected wells and installing water purification systems, with the goal of creating a sustainable local drinking water network. Sarnaik said the initiative has been launched under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with Rs 50 crore allocated for the work.

He said several wells have already been cleaned and fitted with RO plants over the last two years, significantly improving water quality in local areas.

Calling it a landmark project, Sarnaik said, “This is the first project of its kind in Maharashtra. We are not only reviving water sources but ensuring clean drinking water reaches the people.”

The twin announcements—strict Marathi enforcement and the launch of a Rs 50 crore water project—show the government’s effort to combine regional identity politics with local infrastructure development, both of which are expected to remain key issues in Maharashtra politics.

With just days left before the May 1 implementation deadline, the state government’s hard line on Marathi language requirements is expected to spark strong reactions from transport workers, political opponents, and regional groups. But Sarnaik has made one thing clear: the state intends to push ahead.

What did Pratap Sarnaik say about Marathi language rules?

Pratap Sarnaik said that anyone working or doing business in Maharashtra, especially taxi and rickshaw drivers, must know Marathi.

When will Maharashtra enforce the Marathi language rule?

The stricter enforcement of the Marathi language rule will begin from May 1 through the Regional Transport Office.

Will the Maharashtra government roll back the decision?

No, Sarnaik said the government will not step back even if there are protests or political pressure.

What project did Sarnaik inaugurate in Thane?

He inaugurated a well revival and clean water project in Ovala-Majivda, with Rs 50 crore allocated for restoring wells and installing purification systems.