Political Rift in Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar Rejects BJP Slogan, Sparking Backlash from Fadnavis

Ajit Pawar’s recent rejection of the controversial slogan “batenge toh katenge” (division is destruction) has sparked a significant political rift within Maharashtra’s ruling coalition.

The statement, made by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, did not sit well with his ally, Devendra Fadnavis, who hit back, suggesting that Pawar’s views were still shaped by his previous alliances.

The Slogan and Its Backlash

The slogan in question was introduced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a rally in Maharashtra, with the intent to promote unity. However, it has faced strong opposition, particularly from the opposition parties, who argue that it carries divisive and communal undertones.

To address concerns and reframe the message of unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi later modified the slogan to “ek hai toh safe hai” (unity ensures safety).

While some BJP leaders and allies have been uncomfortable with the slogan, it is Ajit Pawar’s rejection that has caused the most stir.

Pawar, who is from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and has historically enjoyed substantial support from the Muslim community in Maharashtra, criticized the slogan, stating, “I have said this several times. It will not work in Maharashtra. This may work in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, or some other places.”

Fadnavis’s Retort

Devendra Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader and Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister, swiftly responded to Pawar’s remarks. Fadnavis expressed his disagreement, accusing Pawar of being out of touch with the sentiments of the public.

He remarked, “Ajit Pawar stayed with such ideologies – which are secular and anti-Hindu – for decades. There is no real secularism amongst those who call themselves secularists.”

Fadnavis further added that Pawar’s understanding of the slogan was flawed. “These people either did not understand the sentiment of the public or misunderstood the meaning of this statement,” he said.

This clash highlights a deeper ideological divide within the ruling alliance, with Fadnavis implying that Pawar’s perspective still reflects his time with past political allies who were more secular in nature.

Internal BJP Differences

The controversy surrounding the slogan has also exposed rifts within the BJP. Senior party leaders such as Pankaja Munde and Ashok Chavan have expressed their opposition to the slogan.

Pankaja Munde, the daughter of the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde, made it clear that her views on politics differ from the slogan’s message. “A leader’s job is to make every living person on this land our own. Therefore, we need not bring any such topic to Maharashtra,” she said.

Ashok Chavan, a recent addition to the BJP from Congress, also voiced his displeasure. He dismissed the slogan as “in poor taste” and expressed that it would not resonate with the people. “Personally speaking, I am not in favour of such a slogan,” Chavan added.

These divergent views among BJP leaders have provided ample ammunition for the opposition, which has highlighted the internal discord and questioned the party’s stance on promoting unity.

Opposition’s Critique

Opposition parties have seized on the contradictory statements, accusing the BJP of fostering division with one hand while preaching unity with the other. They have drawn attention to the apparent contradiction between Adityanath’s slogan and Prime Minister Modi’s call for unity.

Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, however, defended the slogan, insisting that both slogans convey the same message. “Yogi-ji has said that if we are divided, we will be divided. Modi ji is saying that if we are united, we are safe. We are just warning people against vote jihad,” Somaiya said, attempting to clarify the intent behind the slogan.

The High-Profile Baramati Election

As Maharashtra heads towards the Assembly elections on November 20, the Baramati constituency stands out as one of the most high-profile battlegrounds. Traditionally a stronghold of the Pawar family, Baramati is now witnessing an unprecedented political contest.

Ajit Pawar, who has won the seat in seven consecutive elections, is seeking an eighth term. However, this time he faces a formidable challenge from his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, signaling a rare and intense family rivalry.

Ajit Pawar has represented Baramati for several decades, having taken over from his uncle, NCP founder Sharad Pawar. However, their political paths diverged in July last year, when Ajit Pawar broke away from the NCP and joined the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.

This split has dramatically shifted the political dynamics of the region and added a personal dimension to the upcoming election.

Maharashtra’s Election Showdown

Maharashtra’s electoral battle is set to culminate on November 20, with results to be declared on November 23. With both the BJP and the Shiv Sena in the ruling alliance and the Congress and NCP leading the opposition, the stakes are incredibly high.