The RJD has slammed Yogi Adityanath’s “batenge toh katenge” statement with a powerful counter-slogan, accusing the BJP of cheating its allies and causing economic hardship. The controversy adds to the already charged political atmosphere in Bihar, with opposition parties gearing up for the state elections
By PC Bureau
New Delhi
As the political storm triggered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial “batenge toh katenge” (If divided, we will be destroyed) remark refused to die down, the RJD has come out with its punch line to take on the UP strongman.
Accusing the BJP of fostering inflation, unemployment, and crony capitalism while betraying allies, the RJD has responded to Yogi with scathing posters outside its Patna office
The RJD’s poster twisted Adityanath’s words into “BJP se satoge toh katoge” (If you align with BJP, you’ll be cheated) and criticized the party’s alleged history of breaking alliances in Bihar, notably with the Janata Dal United (JDU) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). It also slammed the BJP for soaring prices that have reportedly made basic household necessities, like gas stoves, unaffordable for many families.
Adityanath’s original statement, made in the context of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh, called for unity to prevent similar issues in India. He remarked:
“Aap dekh rahe hain Bangladesh mein kya ho raha hai? Wo galatiyan yahan nahi honi chahiye. Batenge toh katenge! Ek rahenge to nek rahenge, surakshit rahenge aur samriddhi ki parakashtha ko pahuchenge.”
(You see what’s happening in Bangladesh? Those mistakes should not be repeated here. If we are divided, we will be destroyed. If united, we will be secure and prosperous.)
The remark, however, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and even some BJP allies. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed concerns about the divisive undertones, warning against rhetoric that could alienate communities. Senior BJP leaders Ashok Chavan and Pankaja Munde also distanced themselves from the statement, arguing that such slogans wouldn’t resonate with voters in Maharashtra.
RJD leaders seized the opportunity to highlight perceived contradictions in BJP’s messaging. “They preach unity but practice betrayal, abandoning allies and driving inflation and unemployment to unprecedented levels,” said an RJD spokesperson.
This controversy has further heightened political tensions in Bihar, where opposition parties are intensifying their campaigns against the BJP-led alliance ahead of upcoming elections. The fallout from Adityanath’s remarks could become a significant flashpoint in the state’s already charged political climate.
