Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath is undergoing a striking political transformation, once again emerging as the face of hardline Hindutva. This shift seems strategically timed with 10 critical seats in Uttar Pradesh set to go to polls in the upcoming by-elections. These elections have become a prestige issue for Yogi, as the stakes are high—not just for the BJP, but for Yogi himself. Facing internal challenges within his own party after a series of setbacks, Yogi is pulling out all the stops to consolidate Hindu votes and silence his detractors.
Yogi Adityanath’s renewed focus on Hindutva, a stance that defined his rise to prominence, is seen as a calculated move to play on the psyche of Hindu voters. His message is clear: Hindu unity is essential for protecting the interests of the community, and any electoral decision that deviates from this unity could be detrimental. He has cleverly tied this narrative to emotionally charged issues like the construction of the Ram Mandir and the broader theme of Hindu pride, invoking them as symbols of cultural resurgence and identity.
The first sign of this reincarnation came on August 24, when Yogi raised the provocative slogan “Batoge to Katoge” (If you divide, you will be cut down), following reports of Hindus being persecuted in Bangladesh. This slogan, which warns of the dangers of disunity, was a direct appeal to Hindu voters to stand together. Yogi did not stop there. Just almost a month later on September 22, he repeated this message at an election rally in Karnal, Haryana, and again at a public gathering in Mirzapur the next day on September 23. Election will be held in Majhwan assembly constituency which comes under Mirzapur.
Why did invaders destroy the magnificent temple of Lord Ramlala in Ayodhya and built a structure (Babri Masjid) symbolizing slavery? The answer lies in our disunity. Hum bate the, toh kate the. (We were decimated because we were divided). Therefore, let us not be divided and move forward together in an atmosphere of development and security.
Yogi’s aggressive embrace of Hindutva is not just rhetoric; it is a strategic attempt to ensure that he secures these critical by-election victories. The chief minister understands that these elections could make or break his political future, particularly within the BJP. The party’s defeat in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year shook his standing, and murmurs of dissent have been growing louder within the party. Yogi’s internal critics view the by-elections as a litmus test for his leadership. Victory would solidify his position, but a loss would embolden his opponents, giving them the ammunition they need to challenge his authority within the party.
