UP Deputy CM Backs Yogi's 'Batenge Toh Katenge' Remark, Emphasizes BJP's Unity Efforts

Bharjesh Pathak, the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, jumped at the opportunity to defend the comments of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, saying that BJP-led governments and its leaders have made exemplary efforts to unite people, instilling a spirit of national unity.

Reacting to the furore over Yogi's infernal remarks, the deputy CM said he did not find fault with that but turned the table on opposition parties. He referred to the 'nation first' policy of the BJP and accused opposition parties of running a 'divisive and motivated' agenda for its "ulterior motives".

We have been working to bring development to the state and the country but the Opposition has only one agenda -- to promote fear and animosity," Brajesh Pathak told media persons.

Inviting criticism from the opposition, UP CM Yogi Adityanath had reportedly incited a communal divide with a "polarizing" statement: "United we stand, divided we fall," a message he gave on August 26. But the BJP rubbished the objections, saying it was a mere call of unity among the community amidst geopolitical crises in the neighborhood, while the opposition had only one intention of finding hatred in the speech of the CM.

Addressing a gathering in Agra on Monday evening, CM Yogi Adityanath said, "Nation can become powerful only when we stay united. Then only, we can remain safe. If we allow division among us, we will be destroyed. See the example of Bangladesh. That mistake shouldn't be repeated here."

"Batenge toh katenge, ek rahenge toh nek rahenge (If we get divided, we will be shredded. If we stay together, we will be safe)," he further said at the public meeting.

Notably, Bangladesh has been in the middle of a turbulent situation, as the violent protests by students over the last few months led to a massive number of casualties. The stir resulting in violent protests forced Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to quit the chair and run away for her life.