The slogan “Batenge toh Katenge” used by UP CM Yogi Adityanath has drawn backlash from opposition leaders, including former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan, who called it in poor taste. Despite criticism, BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis defended it, while his Mahayuti ally, Ajit Pawar, expressed strong disapproval, calling it unacceptable for Maharashtra.
BY PC Bureau
NEW DELHI:
Tensions have surfaced between Maharashtra’s deputy chief ministers, Ajit Pawar and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, amid the ongoing assembly elections over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial slogan “Batenge toh Katenge.”
In a snub to Pawar, the BJP leader defended Yogi Aditynath rallying slogan and said the NCP leader ‘s reaction was result of his prolonged association with parties that abhorred Hindutava.
Speaking to ANI, Fadnavis noted that Pawar’s past associations with groups that oppose Hindutva. could have shaped his perspective. “For decades, Ajit Pawar has aligned with those who oppose Hindutva and claim to be secular. There is no true secularism among those who call themselves secularists. Pawar has been with people for whom opposing Hindutva was considered secularism. It will take him some time to grasp the public mood,” Fadnavis stated.
Fadnavis also addressed allegations of anti-Muslim bias, highlighting that government initiatives, including the Ladki Bahin Yojana, are designed to benefit all communities equally.
Defending the slogan, Fadnavis said,, “I don’t see anything wrong with Yogi Ji’s slogan. Look at the history of this country—whenever we’ve been divided by castes, states, or communities, we’ve become slaves.”
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar, a key member of the Mahayuti alliance, staid that the “Batenge toh Katenge” slogan was unacceptable in Maharashtra. In an interview with ANI, Pawar explained, “I’ve already voiced my disagreement with this slogan in rallies and interviews. Some BJP leaders also share this view. ‘Sabka saath, Sabka vikas’—together with all, development for all—is what matters. When I see this slogan, I interpret it differently. Either they don’t understand the public sentiment, or they misinterpreted the meaning of the slogan, or perhaps they intended to convey something else,” he added.
Fadnavis, in turn, clarified that the slogan simply means that everyone must stand united. The slogan, which has been widely used by Yogi Adityanath during rallies, has faced sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan expressed his disapproval, stating the slogan was in poor taste. “There’s no relevance to this slogan. It’s the kind of rhetoric typically used during elections, but this one is not in good taste, and I don’t think people will appreciate it. Personally, I am against such slogans,” Chavan told PTI.
BJP leader Pankaja Munde also distanced herself from the controversy, emphasizing her focus on development-oriented politics.
As the election campaign for Maharashtra’s 288 assembly seats intensifies, both the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are vying for voter support. The elections will be held on November 20, with results expected on November 23.
