Maharashtra: As opposition criticism mounted against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan, “Batenge toh katenge” (if divided, we will be slaughtered), Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a new message, “Ek hai toh safe hai” (we are safe only if united), during a rally in Maharashtra.

At an election event in Dhule, PM Modi accused Congress of promoting caste-based divisions, urging the public to remain united. He emphasized, “Ek hai toh safe hai,” while alleging that Congress’s primary agenda is to instigate caste conflicts, particularly among SCs, STs, and OBCs, preventing their progress and recognition.

महाराष्ट्र के अपने भाई-बहनों के साथ ही आज मैं समस्त देशवासियों को कांग्रेस और उसके साथियों की इस खतरनाक साजिश से आगाह करना चाहता हूं… pic.twitter.com/GnIGFz7kn9

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2024

Modi’s call for unity comes amid ongoing debate over Yogi Adityanath’s slogan, first voiced in Agra in response to violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Both PM Modi and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat have since echoed similar appeals for Hindu unity, with Bhagwat recently warning that weakness invites oppression.

PM Modi, speaking at his first rally in Maharashtra for the upcoming November 20 assembly elections, accused Congress of opposing reservations since Nehru’s time and criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly fostering caste divisions. He also condemned the Congress-led INDIA bloc for proposing the reintroduction of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, affirming that the Constitution by Ambedkar is final for the region.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge responded to the controversy, condemning BJP’s endorsement of “rotten ideas” like “Batenge toh katenge.” NCP Chief Ajit Pawar also distanced himself from the slogan, noting that Maharashtra has a longstanding commitment to communal harmony and secularism, inspired by leaders like Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar.