"BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP have their vote banks": Vinod Tawde over Ajit Pawar's disagreement on 'Batenge toh Katenge' slogan

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 16 (ANI): Responding to Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's remark dismissing UP CM Yogi Adityanath's "Batenge toh Katenge" slogan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Vinod Tawde stated on Saturday that each party within the Mahayuti alliance has its own vote bank and communicates in a language that resonates with its supporters.
"When any alliance is formed, it is based on a common minimum programme. What Ajit Dada said might align with his perspective and vote bank, but we believe 'agar Rashtra aur Maharashtra ki pragati hone ki jo soch rakhte hain, unmein bantwara ho gaya to kat jayega.' Every party within the Mahayuti--BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP--has its own vote bank and speaks in a language that resonates with its audience," Tawde told ANI.
Speaking about CM Yogi Adityanath's "Batenge toh Katenge" and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Ek hai toh safe hai" slogan, Tawde warned that implementing reservations and other benefits as proposed by LoP Rahul Gandhi could lead to division and complications. He argued that such policies might prompt various communities within the 29% OBC reservation to demand quotas based on their population share.
"I believe the slogan is a fact. Rahul Gandhi is demanding a caste census. Why? So that greater participation leads to greater shares. Currently, OBCs have 29% reservations, but if a gardener's community, which constitutes 2.5%, demands its share, it will get 2.5%. If we aren't united, we won't be safe. Thus, I fully agree with what the Prime Minister said," Tawde added.
Tawde expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance's success in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, predicting a victory with 155-160 seats.
"About a month ago, the situation was unclear. Questions arose about which candidate belonged to which party, and which leader was switching allegiances. However, clarity has emerged regarding contestants, and campaigns have clarified issues. This election isn't driven by a state-level narrative but focuses on micro-management at the assembly level, where BJP and Mahayuti have performed well. I anticipate BJP securing 95-105 seats, with potential for more, and the alliance forming a strong majority government," Tawde said.
He emphasised that the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP coalition would form the government, with senior leaders resolving any disagreements.
Tawde also accused Ulemas of promoting "vote jihad" by openly advocating for the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance and urging votes against PM Modi.
"Ulemas are openly using the term 'vote jihad,' stating their demands and urging support for those opposing PM Modi. We must respond to such 'vote jihad,' and we are determined to do so," Tawde remarked.
Meanwhile, the "Batenge toh Katenge" slogan has stirred controversy in the Maharashtra Assembly polls, with Ajit Pawar distancing himself from it and supporting PM Modi's "Ek hai toh safe hai" slogan.
The slogan has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who allege it carries communal undertones.
"I have publicly and in media interviews expressed my disagreement with the 'Batenge toh Katenge' slogan. Some BJP leaders have also voiced similar concerns. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' means together with all, development for all. Now, 'Ek hai toh safe hai' resonates more. I see it from this perspective," Ajit Pawar told ANI.
He further stated, "This is not Uttar Pradesh. It may work in the North, but not in our Maharashtra."
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with vote counting set for November 23.
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress took 44. In 2014, BJP secured 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (ANI)