by Ajay Kumar
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tried to change the political atmosphere in Maharashtra with his first rally for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Upon stepping into the political landscape of Maharashtra, he has attempted to re-strengthen the Hindutva agenda by using slogans like “Bantenge To Katenge” (if divided, they will perish) and “Ek Rahenge To Nek Aur Safe Rahenge” (if united, they will be safe and virtuous). This move is aimed at consolidating the Hindu vote bank and uniting the Hindu community, especially since caste dynamics and religious polarization play a significant role in the state elections.
Yogi Adityanath repeatedly emphasized this slogan during his rallies in cities like Washim, Amravati, and Akola, asserting that if the Hindu community remains united, it will never be weak; but if divided, it will face destruction. The slogan, which had earlier gained prominence during the Haryana Assembly elections, is now being used in Maharashtra as well. The intent is to convey to the Hindu community that they must unite to safeguard their rights and form a collective identity, unaffected by any external forces.
This slogan is marking a new direction in politics as Yogi Adityanath used historical figures and events to push his point. In his Washim rally, he stated that when Hindus were divided in history, they became weak and suffered losses. He also emphasized that the Hindu community needs to stay united, as division leads to destruction. This message is directly designed to rally Hindu votes in support of the BJP.
In addition to this, during his Amravati rally, Yogi raised the issue of Hanuman Chalisa. He praised Navneet Rana for her fight for the Hanuman Chalisa, calling it not only a religious but also a nationalist struggle. Yogi Adityanath stated that no Indian could disrespect Ram and Bajrangbali, adding that when Lord Hanuman existed during the Treta Yuga, Islam had not yet come into being. Therefore, why should there be opposition to reading the Hanuman Chalisa in today’s society?
Yogi Adityanath also invoked the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, describing his struggle as a fight not just to preserve a king’s throne but to protect India’s self-respect. He pointed out that Shivaji Maharaj challenged the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and fought for India’s dignity. Yogi used this historical example as an inspiration, urging Hindus to unite to defend their country, religion, and culture in the same way.
During his speeches, Yogi Adityanath also expressed his views on international issues like Pakistan and Palestine. He pointed out that some people are more concerned about problems in Pakistan and Palestine rather than addressing India’s internal issues, implying that India’s challenges should take priority over foreign matters. This ideological stance aims to make Indian society more sensitive and aware of its internal issues, particularly national security.
Political analysts believe that Yogi Adityanath’s focus on Hindutva in Maharashtra is aimed at uniting Hindu votes in a state where caste-based divisions and tensions are prominent. He has also stated that the BJP’s objective is not merely to bring its party to power but to protect Indian culture and religion. In the backdrop of issues like reservation, caste-based census, and Maratha reservation, the BJP will need to adopt a specific strategy to tackle these issues effectively.
After facing a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has revised its electoral strategy. As a result, senior party leaders, especially Yogi Adityanath, are becoming active in shaping the political environment in their favor ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Yogi has ensured that his rallies communicate a message of Hindu unity, aiming to generate strong support for the party in the state.
On the other hand, leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi are criticizing the BJP’s agenda. Sanjay Raut, for instance, has accused the BJP of trying to sow division in Maharashtra, stating that there is no place for such divisive slogans in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. According to Raut, the people of Maharashtra stand with the Maha Vikas Aghadi, and the BJP’s strategy will not succeed. He also remarked that if Yogi Adityanath failed to secure his party’s position in Uttar Pradesh, what could he achieve in Maharashtra?
Political analysts suggest that Yogi Adityanath’s move is part of the BJP’s broader strategy to unite Hindu votes and address the complexities arising from caste divisions. The issues of Maratha reservation, OBC, and tribal reservations have added to the complexity of Maharashtra’s electoral politics, and the BJP is preparing itself to handle these issues strategically.
Yogi Adityanath has been brought to Maharashtra not only to appeal to North Indian voters but also as a Hindu icon to lead the charge on Hindutva. Thus, he has focused on promoting the Hindutva agenda in his rallies while attempting to address caste-based issues. The BJP hopes that under this strategy, it can alter the voting trends in its favor.
Before the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections are declared, it will be crucial to assess how successful the BJP’s strategy proves to be, especially as the political landscape in the state has changed significantly and the election battle is expected to be fierce.
