Shiv Sena challenges Maharashtra CM over language rule relaxation for drivers

The Shiv Sena has registered its protest against Maharashtra's Chief Minister over the relaxation of Marathi language prerequisites for autorickshaw and taxi drivers, accusing the state administration of making the decision without consulting coalition partners.

Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik, who holds the Transport portfolio, had spearheaded an initiative to mandate that commercial autorickshaw and taxi drivers across the state demonstrate functional proficiency in Marathi. The policy was seen as part of efforts to promote the regional language in the state's transport sector.

The party's grievance centers on the decision being taken unilaterally, reportedly without seeking the input of coalition government members. Sources indicate the Shiv Sena views the reversal as undermining the language promotion agenda it had actively supported.

The development comes amid ongoing discussions within Maharashtra's coalition government on balancing regional language promotion with practical constraints in implementing such policies. The disagreement highlights differing perspectives on how strictly language requirements should be enforced in the commercial transport sector.

The issue remains a sensitive one in Maharashtra, where questions of regional language rights have historically held significant political importance.