'Batenge to Katenge', 'SP ki topi lal ...': 10 sharp one-liners by Yogi Adityanath that made waves in 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

In 2024, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s fiery speeches and impactful statements not only strengthened his political standing but also resonated deeply with the people of India and beyond. His rhetoric often blended political critique with a unifying call for Sanatan Dharma followers, inspiring debates on social, cultural and political fronts.

One of his most iconic statements this year -“Katenge To Batenge, Ek Rahenge To Nek Rahenge”—emerged as a rallying cry during assembly elections, emphasizing unity among Sanatan followers. This slogan echoed widely, uniting communities in Uttar Pradesh and across the nation.

The Chief Minister’s remarks targeted the opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress, exposing what he described as their history of misgovernance, appeasement, and pseudo-secularism. His speeches in rallies in 2024 reinforced his connection with the masses, projecting him as a leader who prioritizes justice, unity, and cultural pride.

Here are some of his one-liners that created waves:

"SP should give an account of Mangalsutra of Alka Rai, Pooja-Jaya Pal" (April 25, Etawah)

During a public rally in Etawah, Yogi Adityanath criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) for its alleged involvement in fostering lawlessness during its tenure. He demanded accountability for the murders of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai, Raju Pal, and advocate Umesh Pal, questioning the SP’s silence on the plight of widows like Alka Rai, Pooja Pal, and Jaya Pal.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the tragic killings of Kar Sevaks in Ayodhya and the widows left to fend for themselves. He questioned SP’s role in justice for victims of mafia violence, including Nandkishore Rungta, the VHP’s international treasurer. These remarks underscored his focus on law and order and justice for victims of political and criminal violence.

"Bajrang Bali's power in OBC society will burn Ravana’s Lanka" (July 29, Lucknow)

At the BJP Backward Class Morcha’s state meeting, Adityanath accused opposition parties of attempting to divide Hindu society under the guise of secularism. Emphasizing the strength of the OBC community, he likened their unity to Bajrang Bali’s power, asserting that such collective strength could dismantle the “Lanka” of division and pseudo-secularism.

"No ‘Sadbhavna’ for Mafia and Goons, only the ‘Bullet Train’ of justice" (August 1, Lucknow)

Reacting to a public incident in Gomti Nagar, Yogi Adityanath criticized the SP’s alleged protection of criminals like Manoj Yadav and Mohammad Arbaaz. Declaring that his government prioritizes women’s safety, he vowed swift justice for those undermining this commitment, labeling it as the “bullet train of justice.”

"Kannauj's 'Nawab Brand' exposes SP’s real face" (August 20, Lucknow)

Addressing BJP workers in Lucknow, the CM accused the SP of perpetuating lawlessness and pointed to incidents in Ayodhya and Kannauj as examples. He described these as emblematic of SP’s infamous “Nawab brand,” which he argued reflects their governance failures and disregard for public safety.

"Batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge" (August 26, Agra)

This iconic statement, delivered at the unveiling of Rashtraveer Durgadas Rathore’s statue in Agra, resonated as a call for national unity. Adityanath urged people to avoid the mistakes of divided nations like Bangladesh, emphasizing that unity is key to a prosperous India.

"SP ki topi laal, kaarname kaale" (August 29, Kanpur)

While inaugurating development projects in Kanpur, Adityanath highlighted the SP’s past, claiming its history is riddled with “black deeds.” This remark aimed to remind people of SP’s alleged failures and criminal ties.

"Accidental Hindus raised in Roman culture can’t tolerate Ram Mandir" (September 30, Haryana)

During an election rally in Haryana, Adityanath accused Congress leaders of hypocrisy, suggesting they could not appreciate the Ram Mandir’s significance due to their “Roman culture.” This statement drew sharp criticism from Congress while reinforcing the BJP’s Hindutva agenda.

"Dekh Sapai, bitiya ghabrai" (November 8, Meerut)

Addressing concerns over women’s safety during SP’s regime, Yogi Adityanath used this phrase to describe the fear experienced by women under SP rule. This narrative strengthened BJP’s campaign, emphasizing the party’s commitment to law and order.

"Akhilesh: The CEO of a mafia-criminal production house" (November 10, Ambedkar Nagar)

During the assembly by-election campaign, Adityanath launched a scathing attack on SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of nurturing a “production house” of criminals and mafias. He named figures like Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari as products of this system, holding the SP responsible for fostering a culture of lawlessness.

"India will uphold the legacy of Ram, Krishna, and Buddha" (December 16, Lucknow)

In the Winter session, Adityanath reaffirmed India’s commitment to cultural pride, questioning why Hindu processions face opposition while Muslim festivals are accommodated. He emphasized the need for mutual respect and tolerance.

Yogi Adityanath’s statements throughout 2024 showcased his focus on cultural pride, unity and justice. His rhetoric effectively countered opposition narratives while resonating with the masses.