{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Sanjay Raut Targets Center Over RSS Chief New York Visit and Marathi Mandate for Auto Drivers",
  "summary": "Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut addressed RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's U.S. trip and the mandatory Marathi language rule for auto drivers in Mumbai, while ruling leaders defended driver training and regional pride.",
  "content": "Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has launched a wide-ranging attack addressing RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming trip to New York, democratic freedoms, and the debate surrounding mandatory regional language skills for auto-rickshaw operators. Speaking to journalists, Raut contrasted freedom of expression in the United States with ongoing friction in India, while criticizing political decisions linked to upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC and BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay offered their perspectives on Marathi language identity and the training provided to transport workers in Mumbai.\n\nRSS Chief's New York Trip and Freedom of Speech Concerns\nHighlighting the upcoming international visit of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Sanjay Raut stated that the RSS leader is traveling to New York following an official invitation from the United States. Raut described the U.S. as a robust democracy where freedom of speech is recognized and protected. In contrast, he claimed that India is currently witnessing conflicts over the freedom to express views, pointing to international discussions surrounding the use of pellet guns against youth.\n\nRaut emphasized that democratic governance requires providing every citizen with the fundamental freedom to voice their opinions without confrontation or suppression.\n\nUP Elections, Auto Drivers, and Regional Language Requirements\nTurning his focus to transport policies, Sanjay Raut brought up the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and noted that Amit Shah, sitting in Delhi, heads the party of the Transport Minister. Raut claimed that because elections are approaching in Uttar Pradesh, deadlines of three months are being issued at a time from Delhi. He argued that logical language requirements must apply based on the state where transport services operate.\n\nIllustrating his point with daily scenarios, Raut stressed that an auto-rickshaw driver operating in Uttar Pradesh must know Hindi. He questioned how daily commute would function if a driver in UP spoke Kannada or Punjabi instead. Similarly, he noted that anyone driving an auto-rickshaw in Bengal must be able to speak Bengali.\n\nMaharashtra Transport Ministry and Directives from Delhi\nCriticizing the local administration, Sanjay Raut alleged that Maharashtra's Transport Minister frequently backs down on key decisions. According to Raut, whenever a message arrives from Delhi, the state transport minister steps back. Raut asserted that this issue should not be framed as a dispute between states or a mere language conflict, but rather as an issue of consistent governance and local policy enforcement.\n\nMarathi Pride and Training Programs for 1.5 Lakh Drivers\nAddressing the language debate from the ruling side, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC asserted that there can be no compromise regarding Marathi pride, Marathi honor, and the Marathi language. She emphasized that any service provider interacting with passengers must possess the capability to communicate effectively in Marathi.\n\nShaina NC highlighted past government initiatives, noting that respected leader Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena organized a one-month free Marathi language course for 1.5 lakh taxi drivers. She added that drivers who completed the training were issued formal certificates, ensuring they gained the necessary linguistic skills to serve commuters.\n\nBJP MLA Defends Hardworking Drivers Passing Language Tests\nWeighing in on the matter, BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay praised auto-rickshaw drivers for their hard work and dedication on Mumbai roads. He noted that these drivers earn their livelihood through grueling labor while serving the public. Upadhyay pointed out that when the government mandated a working knowledge of Marathi, auto drivers proactively learned the language and successfully passed the required examinations.\n\nUpadhyay concluded that having cleared the exams, these drivers are now able to converse fluently without fear or hesitation, allowing them to operate their vehicles and serve commuters across Mumbai with confidence.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThese policy discussions and language mandates directly affect commuters and public transport operators across Mumbai and Maharashtra.\n\n• Across India: Mandatory local language rules in different states may impact interstate migrant workers seeking transport permits. Drivers will need to demonstrate functional competency in local languages before operating.\n• In Mumbai and Maharashtra: Auto and taxi drivers are expected to converse with passengers in Marathi. The availability of free language classes and official certificates helps drivers communicate smoothly without administrative friction.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What did Sanjay Raut say about Mohan Bhagwat's U.S. visit?\nSanjay Raut highlighted that the U.S. is a strong democracy with freedom of speech, contrasting it with friction over free expression in India.\n\n2. What language rule was introduced for auto drivers in Mumbai?\nThe government made a working knowledge of the Marathi language mandatory for operating auto-rickshaws and taxis in Mumbai.\n\n3. How many drivers received Marathi language training?\nAround 1.5 lakh taxi drivers received a one-month free Marathi language course organized by Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena.\n\n4. What was BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay's stance on the language mandate?\nSanjay Upadhyay stated that drivers worked hard to learn Marathi, passed the exam, and can now operate confidently without fear.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/maharashtra/maharashtra-men-marathi-anivaryata-aura-sngha-pramukha-ke-new-york-daure-para-sanjay-raut-ne-kendra-ko-are-hathon-liya-23091",
  "category": "Maharashtra",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-27",
  "tags": [
    "Sanjay Raut",
    "Mohan Bhagwat",
    "Marathi Language Row",
    "Mumbai Auto Rickshaw",
    "Shiv Sena",
    "RSS",
    "Shaina NC"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}