NEW DELHI: The Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday responded to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath‘s recent slogan, “Batenge toh katenge,” which has sparked headlines. Yadav condemned the slogan as “negative,” claiming it reflects the BJP‘s “disappointment and failure.” He added that this slogan will be remembered as the “worst in history” and predicted it would contribute to the BJP’s political downfall.
In a post on the social media platform X, Yadav said, “Their negative slogan is a symbol of their disappointment and failure. This slogan has proved that the 10 per cent of the voters who are with them are on the verge of leaving. That is why they are trying to unite them by scaring them, but nothing is going to happen.”
He added that negative slogans leave a demoralising impact, and after this “disappointing slogan,” the BJP’s remaining supporters feel even more disheartened, seeing those they once viewed as powerful now speaking from a place of weakness despite being in power.
“The ‘ideal state’ that is imagined in our country has ‘abhay’ (fearlessness) at its base; not ‘bhay’ (fear). It is true that only the ‘fearful’ sells ‘fear’ because whoever has something, he will sell that only,” Yadav said.
He also suggested that the BJP should change their advisors and adopt a more positive outlook for the benefit of the country and society.
The response comes as both the BJP and SP gear up for upcoming bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. Voting is scheduled for November 13 in multiple constituencies, with results to be announced on November 23.
Voting is scheduled for November 13 in Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur City), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad), with vote counting set for November 23.
Adityanath had previously made the “batenge toh katenge” remark during an event in Agra, urging people to stay united. He reiterated the statement on September 23, linking it to historical disunity which he claimed led to invaders destroying the Ram temple in Ayodhya.