Pune: CM Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Congress for India’s Partition, Revises Controversial ‘Batenge’ to ‘Katenge’

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Bhosari, 17th November 2024: The Mahayuti leaders arriving in Pune from outside appear to have adopted a strategy of targeting the Indian National Congress. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, even Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took the same approach at a rally held for sitting MLA Mahesh Landge in Bhosari as part of his campaign for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections.

During this event, Yogi Adityanath also modified his controversial “Batenge to Katenge” statement after facing backlash from across Maharashtra, including from within his own alliance.

CM Yogi Adityanath was joined by former Gujarat Home Minister Pradeep Jadeja, Maval MP Shrirang Barne, MLCs Uma Khapare and Amit Gorakhe, along with other key Mahayuti leaders, at Gavjatra Maidan in Bhosari for the final phase of the pre-election campaign. This campaign was not limited to supporting sitting MLA Mahesh Landge in Bhosari but extended to Mahayuti leaders across Maharashtra.

Speaking at the rally, Yogi Adityanath criticized the Congress era, claiming that India was not safe during that time as Pakistan and terrorists frequently infiltrated the country and carried out attacks. He alleged that despite such threats, Congress refrained from taking strong actions due to concerns about damaging relations with Pakistan. In contrast, he highlighted India’s current approach under PM Modi, emphasizing the policy of “Hum Chedenge Nahi, Lekin Humein Chedenge To Hum Chodenge Nahi” (We won’t provoke, but if provoked, we won’t spare you).

CM Yogi Adityanath asserted that under PM Modi’s leadership, the Mahayuti has been building a new India for the past 10 years, guided by the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which means “Everyone’s Support, Everyone’s Growth.” He emphasized that their government does not engage in appeasement politics and stands united under the motto “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” meaning “One India, Excellent India.”

He further criticized the Mahavikas Aghadi, accusing them of lacking clear policies, intent, and decision-making abilities. According to him, their approach is guided by “Sabka Saath Lekin Parivar Ka Vikas,” which translates to “Everyone’s Support, but Growth of Their Own Family.”

Yogi Adityanath further alleged that India’s partition in 1947 occurred because of the Congress. He claimed that if not for their actions, India would have remained unified, and many Hindu lives could have been saved. He stated that the current Hindu-Muslim tensions would not exist in an Akhand Bharat (undivided India), which, according to him, would not have faced the religion-based conflicts seen today. He also accused Congress of exacerbating caste and provincial disagreements in the post-independence era.

“Bate The Tab Kate, Ab Batenge Nahi…”

During the initial days of his campaign in Maharashtra for the upcoming elections, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, at a rally, used the phrase “Batenge toh Katenge, Ek Rahenge to Nek Rahenge,” which figuratively means “Divided we fall, united we stand.” However, this statement drew significant criticism from the opposition. Even within the Mahayuti, some leaders expressed differing views. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar publicly disagreed with the statement, while Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis defended it, hinting at a possible rift within the alliance caused by Yogi Adityanath’s remarks.

To address the controversy, Yogi Adityanath revised his statement during the rally in Bhosari, saying, “Bate The Tab Kate The, Ab Batenge Nahi, Ek Rahenge to Safe Rahenge,” which translates to “When we were divided, we fell. Now, we won’t divide; we will be safe if united.”