Disagreement Between Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis Over Yogi Adityanath’s ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’ Slogan
Mumbai, 15th November 2024: A disagreement has surfaced between Maharashtra’s deputy chief ministers, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, ahead of the state’s assembly elections on November 20, regarding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial slogan, ‘Batenge toh Katenge’. While NCP leader Ajit Pawar rejected the slogan, BJP’s Fadnavis, who is part of the Mahayuti alliance with Pawar, defended it.
Fadnavis responded to Pawar’s remarks, suggesting that it might take time for him to fully grasp the public sentiment. He attributed Pawar’s stance to his long association with groups that oppose Hindutva while claiming secularism. “Ajit Pawar has been with groups that oppose Hindutva, and for them, opposing Hindutva is seen as secularism. It will take time for him to understand the public mood,” Fadnavis said. He further remarked that Pawar either misunderstood the meaning of the slogan or did not fully grasp the public sentiment.
Fadnavis clarified that ‘Batenge toh Katenge’ emphasizes unity. He also defended the slogan by connecting it to India’s history of division, saying, “Whenever this country was divided—by caste, state, or community—it led to enslavement.”
Ajit Pawar, however, reiterated his opposition to the slogan, stating it was not suitable for Maharashtra. In an interview, he expressed his disagreement, emphasizing that the slogan contradicted the values of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (together with all, development for all) and that he viewed it negatively. Pawar’s comments align with broader opposition criticism of the slogan, which has been condemned by several leaders.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan also criticized the slogan, deeming it inappropriate for the state. “This slogan has no relevance. It is not in good taste, and I don’t think the public will appreciate it,” he said. BJP leader Pankaja Munde distanced herself from the slogan, stating that her focus remains on development-oriented politics.
With the assembly elections approaching on November 20 and results expected on November 23, both the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances are actively campaigning for the 288 seats.
