As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, BJP leader Pankaja Munde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar have raised objections to the divisive 'batenge to katenge' slogan recently popularized by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The slogan, originally coined by Adityanath in a different context in Agra, has been adopted by BJP leaders in Maharashtra, stirring controversy within the Mahayuti alliance.

Munde, a significant figure in Maharashtra's BJP faction and daughter of veteran leader Gopinath Munde, distanced herself from the slogan, emphasizing her belief in a development-oriented approach. "Frankly, my politics is different. I won’t support it just because I belong to the same party. My belief is that we should work on development alone," Munde stated. She argued that Maharashtra’s unique political and cultural landscape requires a focus on inclusivity and unity rather than divisive rhetoric. Munde, who has served as BJP National Secretary and as a minister under Devendra Fadnavis, stressed that a leader’s duty is to unite and support all citizens, a sentiment that she feels the slogan does not reflect.

Yogi Adityanath, serving as the BJP's star campaigner, initially used the slogan in August in the context of Hindu unity and national unity. "Batenge to katenge… Ek rahenge to nek rahenge (Divided we fall… United we stand)," Adityanath remarked, implying that India’s integrity depends on unity. However, the slogan has faced significant backlash in Maharashtra, with even key allies of the BJP expressing reservations.

Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister and a leader of the NCP faction allied with the BJP, echoed Munde's concerns. Pawar, who holds substantial influence in Maharashtra’s politics, was blunt in his criticism, stating, "It will not work in Maharashtra. This may work in UP, Jharkhand, or some other places." He suggested that Maharashtra’s political dynamics and social fabric are vastly different, and such slogans may not resonate with the people here.

The BJP's campaign has witnessed support for the slogan from other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Modi’s variant, “ek hain toh safe hain” (Together, we are safe), echoes the same idea of unity for security, though he has emphasized that his government works without caste or religious bias, providing equal access to welfare schemes like housing, ration distribution, and LPG supplies. Modi’s approach seeks to underscore the inclusivity that the BJP aims to promote, yet opposition leaders, including those from Congress, claim that this slogan still carries divisive undertones.

With Maharashtra’s voting day set for November 20, the BJP’s Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, faces a formidable opposition under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) banner. The MVA, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, and Congress, has consistently challenged BJP’s strategies and slogans.

Historically, Maharashtra’s electorate has shown a preference for inclusive leadership that aligns with the state’s cultural ethos, making divisive slogans a risky strategy. The internal debates within Mahayuti indicate that there is a divergence in campaign approaches, with leaders like Pankaja Munde and Ajit Pawar preferring development over polarizing rhetoric. Munde further explained, “He (Adityanath) said it in a different context... The meaning of that is not what we are using in Maharashtra. Modiji has given justice to everyone.”

In Maharashtra, where regional pride and unity are prominent election themes, both Munde and Pawar’s statements reflect a cautious approach toward campaign messaging. As the BJP attempts to balance nationalist slogans with regional sentiments, the party’s internal dynamics will likely shape its final campaign strategy.

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