Kandivali Auto Rickshaw Dispute – Tensions escalated along the Kandivali Link Road in Mumbai after a group of non-Marathi auto-rickshaw drivers staged a protest against the Maharashtra government’s mandatory Marathi language requirement. The dispute turned physical when a local Marathi-speaking auto driver was allegedly assaulted by protesting drivers for attempting to continue passenger services.
Kandivali Auto Rickshaw Dispute – Protest and Road Blockade on Kandivali Link Road
The incident unfolded near Laljipada on Kandivali Link Road when non-Marathi auto-rickshaw drivers blocked traffic to register their opposition against state Regional Transport Office (RTO) enforcement drives. Demonstrators allegedly threatened other drivers who continued picking up passengers, causing traffic snarls lasting over 30 minutes. The situation intensified after a local Marathi driver was confronted and beaten up by multiple individuals for disobeying the strike call.
Kandivali Auto Rickshaw Dispute – MNS Issues Final Warning Following Assault Incident
In response to the physical altercation, activists from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) intervened, apprehending one of the accused non-Marathi drivers and taking him to the Kandivali Police Station. Local MNS leaders issued a public warning, stating that any defiance against speaking Marathi or aggression toward local drivers in Maharashtra would face strict retaliation. MNS representatives demanded immediate police registration of cases against those involved in the assault.
Kandivali Auto Rickshaw Dispute – Background on the State’s Marathi Language Mandate
The conflict follows state directives enforcing basic Marathi language proficiency for commercial auto-rickshaw and taxi permit holders. While the transport department previously provided extended grace periods and language learning workshops in collaboration with literary organizations, enforcement drives have met with resistance from non-Marathi driver groups. Local police personnel arrived at the scene to restore traffic flow and register official complaints regarding the clash.