Slogans Steal the Spotlight in Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024

GG News Bureau

Maharashtra, 23^rd November. In the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024, slogans emerged as the lifeblood of political campaigns, shaping narratives and swaying voter sentiment. The Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), surged ahead with a commanding lead in 215 of the 288 seats by 2 PM, backed by a series of impactful slogans that resonated across the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the BJP’s campaign with the slogan “Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai” (We are safe if we are united). This rallying cry accused Congress of divisive politics targeting OBCs, SCs, and STs, urging voters to prioritize unity. Addressing a rally in Akola, PM Modi declared, “The Congress thrives on a weakened nation, but the people of Maharashtra have rejected their divisive agenda.”

Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and a central figure in the campaign, echoed the sentiment after the alliance’s sweeping victory. “Ek hain toh safe hain, Modi hai toh mumkin hai (We are safe if united, and with Modi, everything is possible),” he stated, celebrating the decisive mandate.

एक है तो ‘सेफ’ है !
मोदी है तो मुमकिन हैं ! #Maharashtra #महाराष्ट्र

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 23, 2024

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath added fire to the campaign with the slogan “Batenge Toh Katenge” (Divided we fall), adapted from a similar line he first used in Agra. While its communal overtones sparked outrage from opposition leaders, BJP amplified it across rallies and campaign posters, framing it as a call for unity and resilience.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge fired back with “Daroge Toh Maroge” (If you fear, you will perish), aimed at the BJP’s rhetoric. Accusing the BJP of stoking fear and dismantling democracy, Kharge attacked both PM Modi and Yogi Adityanath. “Sadhus should unite humanity, not divide it,” he said, referencing Yogi’s campaign speeches. Congress used the slogan to rally voters around the theme of courage and resistance against perceived authoritarianism.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) entered the slogan battle with “Sajag Raho” (Be vigilant), emphasizing unity within the Hindu community and the need to bridge caste divisions. The RSS organized grassroots meetings to reinforce its message, aligning it with BJP’s broader campaign of national unity.

Congress’s Lok Sabha campaign slogan “Khatakhat Khatakhat” made waves earlier this year but failed to gain traction in the assembly elections. Mahayuti leaders criticized Congress for sticking to outdated narratives, contrasting it with their dynamic slogans.

As trends solidified Mahayuti’s dominance, celebrations erupted across Maharashtra. Firecrackers lit up the skies outside CM Eknath Shinde’s residence, while BJP supporters flooded the Mumbai office with sweets. Ajit Pawar, the Deputy CM, maintained a decisive lead in Baramati, symbolizing NCP’s consolidation within the alliance.

The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 has showcased once again the enduring power of slogans in Indian politics, blending rhetoric, emotion, and strategy to mobilize voters in one of the country’s most significant states.