Why PM Modi's 'ek hai to safe hai' message changed the game in Maharashtra

PM Modi coined the slogan “ek hain toh safe hain”. He first used it at a poll rally on November 8.

After its dismal performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the Mahayuti made a crushing comeback in the Maharashtra assembly elections by winning 230 of the state’s 288 seats. On the other hand, Maha Aghadi Vikas (MVA), which led in 153 assembly segments in the Lok Sabha polls, was reduced to an abysmal 46 seats in the state.

As the alliance comfortably crossed the majority mark, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the victory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “ek hain toh safe hain call”.

After its setback in the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP aimed at recalibrating its strategy to regain lost ground in Maharashtra. It was estimated that the polarisation of Muslim votes cost the BJP dearly in at least seven constituencies including Dhule and Mumbai North-East, where it had earlier enjoyed support. However, ahead of the Maharashtra assembly poll, the BJP went all out to address caste-based divisions and foster Hindutva unity.

By emphasising unity within the Hindu community, PM Modi coined the slogan “ek hain toh safe hain”. He first used it at a poll rally on November 8. The PM accused the Congress of creating a rift between castes and tribes. Addressing a rally in Dhule in north Maharashtra, PM Modi had said, “Dividing castes and tribes is the biggest conspiracy against India.”

The Congress had opposed the slogan and accused the BJP of indulging in communal politics.

However, PM Modi’s clarion call was complemented by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan “batenge to katenge” aimed at driving home the message of unity for survival. As the poll campaign picked up pace, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the BJP, launched a campaign called 'Sajag Raho' in poll-bound Maharashtra. The “Sajag Raho - be vigilant, be awake” campaign was intended to bolster BJP's Hindutva push in the assembly polls. As the election campaign progressed, BJP senior leaders were seen quoting the PM’s slogan driving the narrative of safeguarding cultural and national unity against perceived threats of division. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his annual Dussehra address, called for Hindu unity and urged taking lessons from attacks on the community in Bangladesh.

BJP’s narrative was also strengthened by the activities of Muslim clerics who called for the community’s votes to be consolidated behind the MVA. This move was seen by BJP as an opportunity to validate its call for Hindu unity. The demands from National Ulema Council, Maharashtra, and All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Sajjad Nomani, which included quotas for Muslims in government contracts and preference in recruitment for police forces, further reinforced the BJP’s narrative of collective strength and struck a chord with voters.