Maharashtra Elections: Devendra Fadnavis Supports Yogi Adityanath’s Slogan Amidst Controversy
As the Maharashtra elections approach, a debate has arisen over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan ‘Batenge to Katenge’, which calls for Hindu unity. While some members of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance have expressed concerns, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis supports the slogan, citing historical context. Fadnavis argues that division has historically led to weakness and slavery in India.
Opposition leaders have criticized the slogan for its perceived communal overtones. However, Fadnavis defends it, questioning why there is objection to a call for unity. He also addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusation that the opposition is dividing the OBC community, referencing Rahul Gandhi’s statements in the United States as evidence of their intentions.
Fadnavis highlighted the importance of unity among the 350 OBC castes and 54 Scheduled Tribes subcastes in Maharashtra, warning that division would weaken their influence. He criticized the Congress party’s ‘Bharat Jodo’ initiative, accusing it of spreading anarchy and division.
Fadnavis also accused the Congress of engaging in ‘Vote Jihad’ through selective appeasement policies, questioning the secularism of such actions. He cited the Ulema Council’s support for the opposition and their demands, including the withdrawal of cases against Muslims involved in past riots, as an example of divisive politics.
The campaign for Maharashtra’s 288 assembly seats is intensifying, with both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) vying for voter support. The elections are set for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.
Doubts Revealed
Maharashtra Elections -: These are elections held in the Indian state of Maharashtra to choose leaders for the state’s legislative assembly, which makes laws and decisions for the state.
Devendra Fadnavis -: He is a politician in India and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Yogi Adityanath -: He is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, another state in India, and is also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Slogan ‘Batenge to Katenge’ -: This is a phrase used by Yogi Adityanath, which means ‘If we divide, we will be cut’. It is meant to encourage unity among Hindus.
Communal overtones -: This means that the slogan is being criticized for possibly promoting division or tension between different religious communities.
OBC community -: OBC stands for Other Backward Classes, which is a term used in India to describe certain groups of people who are considered socially and educationally disadvantaged.
Vote Jihad -: This is a controversial term used by some politicians to accuse others of trying to influence elections by dividing people based on religion or community.
288 assembly seats -: This refers to the total number of seats in the Maharashtra legislative assembly that are up for election. Each seat represents a different area of the state.
