BJP-RLD alliance sweeps UP by-polls, CM Yogi credits PM Modi and “Ek hai toh safe hai”

The BJP-RLD alliance has emerged victorious or is leading in seven of the nine Uttar Pradesh Assembly constituencies where by-elections were held on November 20. The constituencies include Meerapur, Kundarki, Sisamau, Katehari, Phulpur, Majhawan, Ghaziabad, Karhal, and Khair. The results mark a significant political outcome in Uttar Pradesh, a state with 403 Assembly seats, which holds considerable importance in national politics. The outcome further consolidates the BJP’s hold in the state, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attributing the victory to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective governance of the double-engine government.

Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to the voters for their support, emphasizing that the victory reflected the people's unwavering faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He highlighted that the win was a result of good governance, public welfare policies, and the hard work of BJP workers. In his statement, Adityanath wrote, "The victory of the BJP-NDA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly by-elections is a testament to the people's unwavering faith in the successful leadership and guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji." He credited the “double-engine government” for ensuring effective governance and development at both the state and central levels.

Additionally, Adityanath reiterated the party’s central slogan “Batenge toh katenge” (If divided, we will be slaughtered) and its modified version, “Ek hai toh safe hai” (Together, we are safe), which had been emphasized throughout the campaign. These slogans were also a major part of the BJP’s messaging in Maharashtra, where the party led its alliance to a significant win in the state’s bypolls. In both Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the slogans were designed to highlight the importance of unity within the ruling alliance and to project strength in the face of opposition. The slogans underscored the party's message of standing united to ensure safety and progress for the people.

The slogans, however, have sparked criticism within the party’s alliance and even among some BJP leaders. BJP ally Ajit Pawar, a key figure in Maharashtra, publicly expressed his disapproval of the "Batenge toh katenge" slogan, stating that it was not appropriate for the political discourse. Ashok Chavan, a senior BJP leader, also voiced his opinion, calling the slogan "not in good taste" and suggesting that it would not resonate well with voters. On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis defended the slogan, asserting that it reflected the public mood and was in line with the party’s commitment to unity and Hindutva.