During a program in Agra, Yogi Adityanath tried to warn people through slogans, “If you divide, you will be divided”, citing the situation in Bangladesh as an example.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also made the same point in his own way in Maharashtra, “If we are divided, then those who are divided will organize rallies” – Speech at National Awami League Zhong also felt similar emotions.
Now the Sangh is interpreting this slogan as if it is the last option. Whatever one understands the political motivation behind this slogan, it must be acknowledged that it has become increasingly popular among the people and anti-BJP party leaders have begun to express their opposition.
Emphasis on religious unity or ethnic unity
If seen, Yogi Adityanath has not said anything new. For years, people have been explaining the importance of unity. Yogi Adityanath came up with the same in his own style and with such timing that it has become the new political slogan.
Specially, this slogan cannot be opposed to Jai Shri Ram, as Mamata Banerjee has been doing. This is not a slogan that a yogi would directly achieve, such as “…will calm the heat.”
That is why this slogan is being spoken and posters are being put up in Agra. The poster put up in Agra also had a picture of Yogi Adityanath and had this slogan written on it – the poster was put up to wish people in the area a happy Diwali.
Note that when people start writing “Bantenge to Katenge” on water bottles, it should be assumed that this slogan can also be found on the glass of vehicles driving on the road.
Now the question is, does this slogan of Yogi Adityanath convey a message of religious unity or caste unity? It’s definitely defined in different ways, but it fits every situation.
Supporting Yogi Adityanath’s slogan, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said that if the Hindu society does not remain united, then in today’s language, it may be “Bantenge to Katenge”.
Sangh’s main concern was the caste division of Hindu society, Dattatreya Hosabale also explained the same thing, if we differentiate between forward and backward socially, caste and language, then we will be cut off… that’s why unity is necessary ..The unity of Hindu society is for public welfare… The powers that be are trying to break the Hindus… A warning is necessary.
Caste politics has become prevalent in police encounters in Uttar Pradesh of late. From the encounter of the accused in the Sultanpur robbery case to deaths in police custody – in this case, the Sangh and the BJP are trying to capitalize on Yogi Adityanath’s slogan in the elections.
Actions, Slogans and Brand Yogi
1. Discussions of unity have been around for a long time. Many such proposals have been made in moral education. One can read many such stories – Yogi Adityanath talking in a typical desi style, making the same thing spread word of mouth.
Yogi’s words are the same as those heard from Aamir Khan, “Thanda means Coca-Cola.” For example, in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, speeding trucks on the roads have “Satla ta gayala beta” written on their backs . If you notice a little bit, the sounds are all the same.
2. Regardless, Yogi Adityanath is a brand in Hindutva politics. After the Modi brand, if there is any other brand of this nature, it is the yoga brand – and in ‘Bantenge to Katenge’ the image of a bulldozer is also emerging.
3. Just like the yoga bulldozer was adopted by the chief ministers of the BJP government, the bantenga to katenga was also adopted in almost the same way – and what’s special is that this feeling started cropping up in Modi and Bhagwat’s speeches as well middle.
