Devendra Fadnavis vs Ajit Pawar Emerges Days Ahead Of Maharashtra Polls

Devendra Fadnavis suggested that Ajit Pawar's understanding of the slogan was still influenced by his former allies.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's remark that there is no place for the "batenge toh katenge (division is destruction)" slogan in Maharashtra has drawn a fierce backlash from his colleague Devendra Fadnavis. Angered by his ally's defensive remarks, Mr Fadnavis suggested Mr Pawar's understanding of the slogan was still influenced by his former allies.

The "batenge toh kitenge" slogan was coined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and the BJP's star campaigner Yogi Adityanath at one of his recent rallies in Maharashtra. The opposition has alleged communal overtones in the slogan while Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweaked it earlier this month to "ek hai toh safe hai", repackaging its message of unity.

The slogan sparked discomfort among a section of BJP leaders and allies who are working together in the Maharashtra government.