As controversy continues over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial slogan, “batenge toh katenge” (divided we perish), BJP MP Mukesh Dalal defended the remarks, stating that the INDIA alliance had divided Sanatana Dharma and that efforts must now be made to unite it. Dalal explained that the slogan reflects a call for unity, which is essential for the preservation of Sanatana Dharma, and criticized the opposition’s role in dividing communities during the previous elections.
Dalal emphasized, “The slogan is resonating across the country. The INDIA alliance tried to divide Sanatana Dharma during the last elections while we were campaigning on development. Even today, in Maharashtra, some community leaders are making deals with the INDIA alliance, which is bowing to their demands. This is why the issue of Sanatana Dharma is now coming into focus.”
He further elaborated, saying, “What does ‘Batenge toh Katenge’ mean? It signifies that united we stand, divided we fall. There may not be elections in Gujarat at the moment, but it’s crucial that Sanatana Dharma unites.”
This remark comes after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used the slogan during a rally in Maharashtra, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later echoing a similar sentiment with his slogan, “Ek hai toh safe hai.”
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya also defended both leaders’ remarks, particularly Prime Minister Modi’s “Ek hai toh safe hai,” in light of growing concerns over the influx of Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants in Mumbai. Citing a report from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Somaiya warned that the Hindu population in Mumbai could fall to 54% due to the rising number of infiltrators, further justifying the BJP’s stance on national security.