'Judenge', 'Katenge': Fierce slogan war fuels tense bypoll build-up in Uttar Pradesh

Yogi Adityanath

With less than two weeks left for the Uttar Pradesh assembly by-elections on November 20, political tensions are at a boiling point over divisive slogans in this politically sensitive state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rallying cry to unite Hindus beyond caste differences—summed up in the slogan “Batenge to Katenge” (if we divide, we will be cut off)—has ignited a fierce backlash, with opponents accusing the BJP of stirring religious sentiments for electoral advantage.

Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav was quick to criticize the slogan, labeling it “the worst slogan in history” and accusing the BJP of spreading a divisive message that threatens social harmony. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, however, countered by alleging that the SP panders to “jihadis” for votes, taking to social media platform X to sharpen the exchange.

In a recent post, Maurya claimed that SP’s agenda is to appease Muslims and “support jihadis” for political gain. “SP’s politics of dividing society through fronts like ‘love jihad,’ ‘land jihad,’ and ‘vote jihad’ reveals Akhilesh Yadav’s so-called harmony claims,” he wrote, directly questioning Yadav's “PDA” alliance—a coalition of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. “SP’s true character and face have been exposed,” Maurya declared.

Amid this escalating rhetoric, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also weighed in, urging all sides to exercise caution with inflammatory language. Analysts say the BJP’s campaign strategy appears aimed at rallying Hindu voters around a unified identity, while the SP is seeking to consolidate its PDA coalition along caste and community lines to counter BJP’s appeal.

Recently, a new poster displayed outside the SP office reignited the debate. It read, “Mathadhish will divide and cut… PDA will unite and win,” signaling the SP’s commitment to uniting marginalized communities against divisive politics.

Mayawati, meanwhile, is encouraging voters to support the BSP, positioning her party as an alternative to the SP-BJP sloganeering that she sees as a distraction from more pressing issues.

The slogan "Batenge to Katenge" has gained traction beyond Uttar Pradesh, now resonating in the Maharashtra elections where the BJP is using it to promote Hindu unity. Addressing election rallies on Wednesday in Washim, Amravati, and Akola, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated the message, declaring, “Batenge to Katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge” (If we divide, we will be cut off; if we remain united, we will thrive), reinforcing a Hindu-centric call for unity.

In a separate rally in Washim, Adityanath emphasized this further, stating, “Jab bate the to kate the” (When we were divided, we suffered), underscoring the importance of religious solidarity.

The Slogan

The slogan “Batenge to Katenge” first emerged during the Haryana elections, when Adityanath urged Hindu unity to prevent societal divisions—a message that Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed, saying “Ek hain toh safe hain” (if we are united, we are safe). Many attribute the BJP’s success in Haryana to this messaging, which has now resurfaced in UP.

In response, Akhilesh Yadav introduced the counter-slogan “judenge toh jeetenge” (if we unite, we will win), emphasizing positive politics over divisive appeals. “In the interest of society, the Chief Minister should rethink his negative outlook and reconsider his advisors,” Yadav posted, urging Adityanath to adopt a more inclusive approach. “A good leader nurtures positive thoughts and keeps both his sleeves and arms open,” he added, calling for open dialogue and inclusivity.

Mayawati too joined the slogan war as she suggested that the BSP’s entry into the by-election fray has unsettled both the BJP and SP, with both parties scrambling to capture public focus through posters and slogans. “Instead of divisive slogans, what is truly needed is a commitment to unity—if we join with the BSP, we will progress and remain safe,” she remarked.

In the lead-up to the by-elections, Lucknow has seen a surge of political hoardings reinforcing rival slogans. Notably, a large poster outside the SP office proclaims “27 ke Sattadhish,” referencing the 2027 assembly elections, while Adityanath’s “Batenge to Katenge” slogan is countered with SP’s “judenge toh jeetenge” hoardings across the city.

As the November 20 election date nears, these slogans have become pivotal to campaign strategies, capturing the intensity of political discourse in UP.