UP CM Yogi Adityanath's ‘batenge toh katenge’ remark now RSS battle cry for Hindu unity

LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: Taking forward the line articulated by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath 'Batenge toh Katenge' which he had said in the context of alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh post regime change in August this year, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) asserted on Saturday that unity in Hindu society was essential for national interest and public welfare.

Addressing a press conference after RSS's two-day national meet in Mathura, when its general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale was asked a direct question about the slogan "batenge toh katenge" getting popular these days, he said: "Hindu samaj ekta mein nahi rahega toh aaja kal ki bhasha mein bantenge toh katenge ho sakata hai (If Hindu society doesn't remain united, in today's language it will get perished)."

"It (the expression) was in the right spirit for uniting Hindus which were being divided in the name of castes as a conspiracy," he said, also eleborting how Yogi held parleyes with RSS office-bearers and its chief Mohan Bhagwat to discuss ways to make Kumbh 2025 inclusive by ensuring representation from tribal communities and other communities across the country.

"Unity is essential for any community. Today many religious and party people are understanding it from their experience and are also welcoming it. Hindus should remain united. Hindu unity is essential in society and necessary for public welfare," he added.

There are efforts to divide Hindus based on caste and ideology, and we must stay alert to this," Hosabale said, adding "It is good that more and more people are understanding the need for Hindu unity. It's the RSS pledge to unite Hindus."

The expression was first used by Yogi at a rally in Agra in the backdrop of Hindu minorities being subjected to violence in neighbouring Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also made similar pitches for Hindu unity later. During his annual Vijaya Dashami speech this year, Bhagwat said that "being unorganised and weak is like inviting atrocities by the wicked". Hindus should take lessons from the events in Bangladesh, he said.

The RSS's endorsement to Yogi's pitch for Hindu unity has also come amid considerable heartburn among the BJP think tank about the minorities consolidation in favour of India bloc which resulted in the defeat of NDA candidates at a number of seats, including Maharashtra which is going to the polls early next month.

They cite specific examples of Dhule and Mumbai North East seats in Maharashtra. In Dhule, BJP's Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, who had won the seat by 2.29 lakh votes in 2019, lost the seat to Cong's Bachhav Shobha Dinesh by just 3,800 votes. In Mumbai North East, BJP candidate Mihir Chandrakant Kotecha was leading in all assembly segments, except minority-dominated Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar. He ultimately lost by 29,000 votes.

According to observers, such a strong backing to Yogi's statement by the RSS would have significant political bearings at least within the BJP in UP. It makes Yogi undoubtedly a stronger leader than ever before within the state BJP. "This should be taken as a hint from the RSS," a senior BJP leader said.

Interestingly, to another question whether this meet also sent some message to the BJP, Hosabale said that the meet was not meant to give a message to the BJP. "If at all, there is a need, the RSS has many volunteers who can be deputed to send messages to the BJP," the RSS general secretary said, denying any strained relations with the BJP after Lok Sabha polls.

Coming to a question on what transpired between Yogi and the RSS chief when the two met, the RSS general secretary revealed the CM was here for two hours, but discussions were only held for 30 to 45 minutes.

Hosabale said that primarily he had discussions around Kumbh Mela and quoted the CM as saying that the earlier Kumbh was held when the government was only one-year old, since then the government has gained immense administrative experience and would ensure a better Kumbh Mela this time. "The CM also elaborated on the proposed plans for the Kumbh Mela," Hosabale said.

The CM also urged the RSS to ensure participation of people across the nation. There are many communities among the Hindus who have remained away from the Kumbh for years, Hosabale quoted Yogi as saying. "Religious leaders from communities such as Lingayats from South India and others should be invited by the RSS while the UP government will also ensure their participation," Hosabale elaborated. "Similarly, tribal chiefs should also visit Kumbh," he quoted Yogi.

The RSS general secretary also urged the Hindus in Bangladesh not to migrate as the nation has made "significant contributions to our history as a Hindu nation". "The Hindu community should remain there and not migrate. Their land was divided from India in 1947, and in 1971, they became a separate country through Pakistan, in which India also played a role.

"There is a Shaktipeeth also and that region has made significant contributions to our history as a Hindu nation. We want Hindus to remain there, but their protection must be ensured...," Hosabale said.

Speaking on the ongoing Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, Hosabale said "We hope that the court will resolve this quickly".

"Mathura's matter is now in the court and we hope that the court will resolve this quickly. Just as the Ayodhya matter was settled, it is not necessary to approach every matter in the same way...We should have faith in the judiciary, the issue is still ongoing, and people are raising their voices...," he said.