Ashok Chavan said that this slogan is irrelevant.
Nanded (Maharashtra):
BJP MP and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has said that the slogan “batenge to katenge” is in poor taste and is not relevant and people will not like it.
In an interview with PTI on Wednesday, Mr Chavan also said that he does not attach much importance to the 'vote jihad – dharma yuddha' rhetoric as the BJP and the ruling Mahayuti policies are aimed at developing the country and Maharashtra.
Notably, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanath has raised the slogan 'batenge to katenge' (divided we fall) during his rallies ahead of the November 20 Assembly elections in Maharashtra.
When asked about it, Mr Chavan said: “This slogan is irrelevant. Slogans are given during election time. This particular slogan is not in good taste and I don't think people will appreciate it. Personally speaking, I am. not in favor of such slogans.” “Every political functionary has to take a decision after much thought. We must also ensure that no one's sentiments are hurt,” the BJP leader added while speaking at Ardhapur in Nanded during his election campaign for the Mahayuti.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis last week said “vote jihad” should be met by “dharma-yuddha” of votes.
Asked whether the poll campaign was straying from the issue of development amid the 'vote jihad-dharma yuddha' narrative, Mr Chavan said the policy of the Mahayuti and the BJP was Viksit Bharat and Viksit Maharashtra as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I don't attach much importance to voting for jihad rhetoric. Personally speaking, development is my only agenda. That is why people appreciate my stand even though I have changed parties,” said the parliamentarian, who joined the BJP in February this year. a long association with Congress.
On claims that the Maratha reservations issue affected the Mahayuti's prospects in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, Mr Chavan said the government has taken decisions regarding the quota issue.
“The impact of the Maratha quota was greater in the Lok Sabha elections. Many decisions after the Lok Sabha elections were taken by the Shinde government, such as 10 percent reservation; those who had Kunbi certificates were given reservation. People were also given jobs (through quota) and cases (filed against people during quota agitation) were also withdrawn,” he said.
The Maharashtra legislature unanimously passed a bill in February this year that provides for 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs.
However, activist Manoj Jarange has demanded Maratha quota under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
Mr Chavan said Mr Jarange's decision not to contest the elections and not to support any party was his individual move as he believes his sole aim is to facilitate reservation for the people of his community.
“I also met him and assured that the Mahayuti will consider the demands once he comes back to power,” he said.
He said the election environment is good and there is enthusiasm among the people.
“We had a meeting of central minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (Wednesday) and people were present in large numbers. The Prime Minister also came here and the (election) fever has also increased. The state government's plans are also being implemented. there is a good response from the people and our (Mahayuti) candidates will emerge with flying colors and a good margin,” he said.
On how many seats the Mahayuti will win in the 288-member assembly, Mr Chavan said he has visited some parts of the state but not all.
“We will reach a comfortable majority to form a government,” he added.
Asked about his switch from the Congress to the BJP, Mr Chavan blamed the people in the grand old party for his suffering during the political episodes of 2008 to 2010.
“I don't want to talk much because it's history now. I think whatever decision I make is in the interest of my career,” he said.
Notably, the Adarsh housing fraud in Mumbai led to Chavan's resignation as chief minister of the state in 2010.
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)