India
‘Was with people with anti-Hindu ideologies’: It’s Fadnavis vs Ajit Pawar on ‘batenge toh katenge’ slogan – Times of India
Speaking to ANI, Fadnavis explained that Pawar comes from a background of opposing groups Hinduva while claiming that secularism may have influenced his perspective.
“For decades, Ajit Pawar stuck to such ideologies which are secular and anti-Hindu. There is no real secularism among those who call themselves secularists. He has stayed with people for whom resistance to Hindutva is secularism. It will take some time for him to understand that.” understand the mood of the audience,” Fadnavis told ANI.
“These people did not understand the sentiment of the audience, or did not understand the meaning of this statement, or probably wanted to say something else during their speech,” he added.
Fadnavis clarified that “’Batenge to katenge’ means everyone should stay together.
Interview with Devendra Fadnavis– Hindutva, ‘Vote Jihad’, Rahul, Owaisi, Maharashtra polls and more
In his response to the allegations of anti-Muslim bias, he emphasized that government programs, including the Ladki Bahin Yojana, serve all communities equally.
Fadnavis defended the slogan saying, “I don’t see anything wrong in Yogi ji’s slogans. Look at the history of this country. Jab jab bate hai tab gulam bane hai. Whenever this country divided into castes, into states, divided in communities, we became slaves.”
Mahayuti partner and NCP chief Ajit Pawar had said that ‘batenge toh katenge’ was not acceptable in Maharashtra.
Pawar in an interview with ANI said, “I have expressed my views on this (Batenge toh Katenge) at a public meeting and in media interviews. Some BJP leaders have expressed the same. ‘Sabka saath, Sabka vikas’ means together with everyone , development for all… Now, ‘Ek hain toh safe hain… I see it from this angle.’
Live: Ajit Pawar Speaks Out – Adani ‘Link’, Yogi’s Controversial Slogan, Maharashtra Polls and More
The slogan, which Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath used at several rallies, was widely condemned by the opposition leaders.
Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan expressed his disapproval and stated that the slogan is not appropriate.
“This (slogan) has no relevance. Slogans are given during election times. This particular slogan is not in good taste and I don’t think people will like it. Personally, I am not in favor of such slogans.” Chavan told news agency PTI.
BJP leader Pankaja Munde also distanced herself and emphasized her focus on development-oriented politics.
The election campaign continues for the 288 Maharashtra Assembly seats, with both Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) actively seeking support from voters. The elections are scheduled for November 20 and the results are scheduled for November 23.
