‘Not taken into confidence’: Shiv Sena upset over Maharashtra CM’s ‘unilateral decision’ to relax Marathi rule for autorickshaw, taxi drivers
The Shiv Sena has expressed frustration with its coalition partner, the BJP, after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unilaterally relaxed a rule requiring taxi and auto drivers to speak Marathi. The decision has caused internal friction within the Mahayuti alliance and drawn criticism from the opposition.
Why it matters
This incident illustrates the complex political dynamics and identity politics within Maharashtra's ruling coalition ahead of future elections.
Leaders of the Shiv Sena, a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti in Maharashtra, expressed displeasure on Friday with its ally BJP over Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s “unilateral decision” to relax Shiv Sena leader and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik’s drive to ensure that commercial autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the State speak “functional Marathi”.
Mr. Sarnaik had announced in April that autorickshaw and taxi drivers must display basic knowledge of Marathi and set a deadline of August 15 to comply with the rule. After drivers’ unions opposed the decision, Mr. Fadnavis on Thursday announced that the State government would give drivers one year to learn the language and not take any action for non-compliance during this period.
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