Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s statement rejecting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial slogan, “Batenge Toh Katenge (division is destruction),” has ignited a political firestorm in Maharashtra. The remark has drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting tensions within the ruling coalition as the state gears up for the upcoming assembly elections.
Pawar Rejects Slogan, Stirs Controversy
In a recent interview, Ajit Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction, made his stance clear: “I am not supporting it. I have said this several times. It will not work in Maharashtra. This may work in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, or some other places.”
The slogan, originally coined by Adityanath at a Maharashtra rally, has been criticized by the opposition for its alleged communal undertones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later rephrased the sentiment to “Ek hai toh safe hai (unity ensures safety)” during his address, emphasizing unity over division.
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Fadnavis Fires Back
BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded strongly to Pawar’s comments, suggesting his ally’s perspective is influenced by his former secular affiliations: “Ajit Pawar stayed with such ideologies – which are secular and anti-Hindu – for decades… It will take some time for him to understand the mood of the public.”
Fadnavis defended the slogan, arguing it reflects a public sentiment warning against divisive practices.
Diverging Voices Within BJP
The ‘Batenge toh katenge’ slogan has also caused discomfort among BJP members and allies. Pankaja Munde, a prominent BJP leader, and Ashok Chavan, a former Congress leader who recently joined the BJP, voiced their reservations:
Pankaja Munde
“A leader’s job is to make every living person on this land our own. Therefore, we need not bring any such topic to Maharashtra.”
Ashok Chavan
“The slogan has no relevance and is not in good taste. Personally speaking, I am not in favour of such a slogan.”
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Opposition Takes Aim
The opposition seized on the dissonance within the BJP, accusing the party of sending mixed messages. Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya dismissed these claims, asserting that both slogans convey the same idea: “Yogi-ji has said that if we are divided, we will be divided. Modi ji is saying that if we are united, we are safe. We are just warning people against vote jihad.”
Maharashtra voters will head to the polls on November 20 to elect representatives for 288 assembly seats, with results expected on November 23. The controversy over the slogan adds to an already heated political climate, with parties vying for influence in the state.
