Yogi’s slogan echoes globally, uniting opposition on BJP’s turf
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan, “Ek Rahoge, Nek Rahoge” (“If you divide, you will be cut off”), coined during the Haryana elections, has reverberated across the nation, pushing the opposition onto the BJP’s political turf. The slogan has particularly stirred up reactions from the Congress and Samajwadi Party, with analysts suggesting it may sway voters in BJP’s favor.
In Uttar Pradesh, the slogan has sparked noticeable unease within the opposition, which now finds itself reacting to BJP’s narrative. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has criticized it, alternately labeling it negative and calling for unity. Yet, opposition parties have struggled to counter its impact, highlighting their difficulty in moving beyond BJP’s message.
Political analyst Rajiv Ranjan Singh points out that the slogan has gained traction internationally. Recently, in Canada, Hindu communities reportedly echoed the slogan to unite against Khalistani supporters. Singh believes that the slogan’s message resonates globally due to its core message of unity, further boosting its influence among voters.
Senior journalist Harsh Vardhan Tripathi draws a comparison to the past slogan, “Whoever talks about Hindu interests will rule India.” He notes how Congress leaders once dismissed it, assuming Hindu voters would not unite. However, the slogan “If you divide, you will be cut off” has, according to Tripathi, awakened a sense of unity among Hindus. He predicts that its influence will impact upcoming by-elections, making it an essential factor in the BJP’s campaign strategy.
As a result, Yogi’s slogan has reshaped the political discourse, compelling opposition parties to address BJP’s message of unity and driving the momentum towards the BJP as by-elections approach.
