Yogi Elaborates On His ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’ Remark

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday clarified his earlier ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’ remark, stressing the need for both Hindu unity and national unity. In an exclusive interview with Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami , CM Yogi stressed that the two are intricately linked, asserting that those who oppose this unity are playing dangerous political games for their own agendas.

Batenge Toh Katenge’ - A Call for Unity

Speaking about the phrase ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’s' significance, the Chief Minister made it clear that it wasn’t a mere slogan, but a firm call for solidarity and strength in the face of divisive forces. 

“I didn’t just say 'Batenge Toh Katenge' for the sake of saying it,” Yogi explained. “It is about standing firm against all forms of division, whether it’s based on caste, religion, or regional lines. Hindu unity and national unity are co-related. This is not just a slogan, but a principle that has guided our work in Uttar Pradesh,” he added.

He also tied this ideology to the larger national vision, mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra, ‘Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai’ (Unity is Safety), as an essential part of building a secure and prosperous nation. "PM Modi has been saying this for a long time, and history is speaking for itself," Yogi stated. "Look at the transformation in Uttar Pradesh since 2017—where people once fled areas like Kairana, Kandhala, and Sambhal, now it is the mafias and criminals who are fleeing. This is proof of how a united, peaceful society drives out lawlessness.”

“Who is troubled by this unity (Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai)? It’s only those who thrive on the politics of caste divide, funded by foreign powers,” he declared. 

The Chief Minister suggested that these "foreign-funded caste plots" have their roots in the same ideological lineage as the anti-national elements that have historically tried to destabilize India.

Yogi’s strongest ultimatum to Sambhal-like rioters, says surgery only remedy for the Cancer 

CM Yogi Adityanath said that the ‘Sanatan Parampara’ is the oldest tradition which cannot be compared with any other religion. On being asked about whether a Sanatan Board should be formed like the Waqf Board, CM Yogi highlighted the supremacy of Sanatan Dharma and dismissed comparisons between it and the Waqf Board. 

“Our Sanatan Dharma has no limits. It is higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean,” he said adding that Sanatan Dharma should not be equated with Waqf Board which he termed as the ‘Mafia Board’.

With respect to the Sambhal issue, the UP CM said, “Old wounds need treatment, otherwise they will become cancer. There will be one surgery, and we must be prepared for it. No matter how big the abscess is, once the surgery is done, it will heal and move forward.”

During the conversation, CM Yogi accused the Waqf board of claiming ownership of lands, including those used for the Maha Kumbh Mela. He assured that every piece of land taken under the name of Waqf ownership would be reclaimed and used for the welfare of the poor. “Remember, we will acquire every inch of our land,” Yogi declared. He added, “We will use the reclaimed land to build houses, hospitals, and educational institutions for the poor.”

“I often think, is it the Waqf Board or the Mafia Board?” he added.

The UP CM also launched an attack on the Opposition terming them as ‘danav’ for playing divisive politics and further said that those who are dining in foreign plates, are tarnishing the government's image; the BJP leader also said that those who call themselves ‘accidental’, cannot be called Hindu. Yogi Adityanath also spoke about how several leaders of the Opposition do not have the morals to visit the Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya. 

Yogi Adityanath also accused Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav of misusing the name of socialist icon Ram Manohar Lohia for “political gains” while ignoring his core teachings. He said, “They do politics in the name of Lohia ji, but have they ever read him? Lohia ji said if one wants to understand India, they must focus on two things. First, true socialism stays away from greed for wealth and progeny. You can see their (SP’s) example on this matter. Second, he said to understand India, one must study Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Shankar. If they had read Lohia ji, they would have been saved from communal appeasement and could guide the next generation toward something meaningful.”

Launching another attack on Congress , Yogi Adityanath said that the word ‘Secular’ was not part of the Preamble of the Constitution of India at first and was added later by the Congress, post the Emergency. The UP Chief Minister pointed out that the Congress has done several unconstitutional acts because the words ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’ were not part of the Ambedkar Constitution.

Yogi says Sambhal mentioned in ancient Hindu texts, opposes Islamisation efforts

He accused past rulers of Islamizing Sambhal, saying, “Everything is pre-decided for Sambhal. They Islamized Sambhal, destroyed our signs of Sanatan Dharma, wells, and everything sacred to us.” Speaking at the event, Yogi Adityanath said, “Ain-i-Akbari stands as proof of how Shri Hari Vishnu Temple in Sambhal was vandalized and replaced with a mosque. Mir Banki, who destroyed the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, also destroyed Lord Vishnu’s temple in Sambhal.” 

UP CM Yogi Adityanath has also embraced ‘ghar wapsi’. CM Yogi said, “If someone sincerely wishes to return to their roots, they should be welcomed wholeheartedly. We must understand that if someone who lost their way comes home in the evening, they are not considered astray. In some historical contexts, whether due to pressure, deceit, or other reasons, individuals changed their religion. If they now choose to return and adhere to the values and principles of Sanatan Dharma, we must welcome them. I strongly support this.”