Mumbai: Language issue has started again in Maharashtra, this time about auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that the protest march planned by drivers on May 4 will not happen.
He called the protest a “publicity stunt.” He said there are around 4 lakh rickshaw drivers, so how can 15 lakh people join the march. He also asked if all drivers are non-Marathi and if Marathi drivers really support this protest.
Sarnaik said most drivers are busy earning money and will not join any protest. But he clearly said that people who work in Maharashtra should learn Marathi.
At the same time, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government will help drivers who do not know Marathi to learn it.
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat also said drivers should be given time and a chance to learn the language.
So, while the language issue is growing, the government is trying to solve it by helping people learn Marathi instead of creating tension.