In Mumbai, unions associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are actively conducting Marathi language training sessions for auto rickshaw and taxi drivers as the August 15 deadline approaches. The initiative utilizes a booklet titled ‘Maharashtra is my state... Marathi is my language!’ developed by the transport department, which contains essential phrases and illustrations to aid learning. Workshops held over the weekend saw the distribution of these booklets, with further sessions planned in the coming week. State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik praised the unions' efforts, emphasizing the importance of drivers learning Marathi to respect Maharashtra’s culture. However, he warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties starting August 16. Additionally, Sanjay Nirupam, a Shiv Sena leader, is organizing his own workshops to assist drivers in mastering the language.