Yogi’s ‘Batenge toh Katenge’ slogan sparks discord within BJP and allies

Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan “Batenge to Katenge” - loosely translated into English as if we divide, we will perish - has emerged as a polarising war cry within the BJP, sparking both support and opposition. While some view it as a call for Hindu unity transcending caste barriers, others, including key party leaders, have raised concerns over its messaging and communal undertones.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was the first senior BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh to openly oppose the slogan, aligning instead with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inclusive phrase, “Ek hai toh safe hai” (If we are united, we are safe).

Maurya emphasised the importance of unity, stating, “Prime Minister Modi, who is our supreme leader, has given the slogan ‘Ek hai toh safe hai.’ Unity has always been central to our message.” Maurya refrained from directly criticising Adityanath but hinted that Modi's approach better encapsulates the party's vision.

At a recent rally, Modi echoed the call for unity, reinforcing the BJP’s stance on national solidarity. “Unity is our strength. We cannot afford to let ourselves be divided by those who play politics with people’s future,” he said, indirectly positioning the party as a unifying force.

Supporters of Adityanath argue that “Batenge to Katenge” is not divisive but a strategic slogan that highlights BJP’s ideological themes of unity and development. “Our state and country can only move forward when we stand united. Division serves only those who undermine growth and stability,” said Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh.

The slogan, which first gained traction during the Haryana elections, has since been echoed in Maharashtra, where Adityanath declared at rallies, “Batenge to Katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge” (If we divide, we will be cut off; if we remain united, we will thrive).

The slogan has revealed ideological rifts within the BJP, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. While supporters hail it as a rallying cry against caste-based divisions, critics within the party view it as a step too far. A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, said, “The slogan urges Hindus to unite, but its communal undertone raises concerns. In contrast, Modi’s ‘Ek hai toh safe hai’ emphasises unity without the divisive undertones.”

The divide has also sharpened perceptions of the ideological spectrum within the BJP, with Adityanath’s assertive stance contrasting with Modi’s more inclusive narrative.

Resistance in Maharashtra 

The slogan has met resistance in Maharashtra, where BJP allies and leaders have expressed discomfort. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, part of the BJP-led alliance, rejected the slogan outright. “This narrative won’t resonate in Maharashtra. It may work in Uttar Pradesh or Jharkhand, but here, our focus should be on *‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’* (Together for everyone's development),” he said.

BJP leaders Pankaja Munde and Ashok Chavan also voiced disapproval. “We need to focus on development and uniting everyone in Maharashtra. My politics is different; I can’t support divisive rhetoric just because it comes from my party,” Munde remarked.

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attempted to defuse the criticism, stating that Adityanath’s slogan had been misinterpreted. “The slogan promotes unity, not division. Look at history—whenever India was divided by caste or community, we became vulnerable. Unity is the lesson,” Fadnavis said, defending the slogan's intent.

Navigating Mixed Messages 

The internal debate underscores the challenges the BJP faces in balancing powerful slogans with the need for cohesion across diverse states. While Adityanath’s “Batenge to Katenge” has energised his supporters, its reception has highlighted the party’s struggle to reconcile regional political realities with national messaging.

As the slogan continues to reverberate in election campaigns, its reception may test the BJP's ability to balance powerful narratives with the broader need for inclusivity, particularly as it prepares for high-stakes elections in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.