Sun Nov 10 05:58:13 UTC 2024: ## Adityanath Sparks Controversy, Invokes “Batenge to Katenge” Amid AMU Minority Status Debate
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ignited controversy by invoking his controversial “Batenge to Katenge” statement while commenting on the recent Supreme Court ruling on Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) minority status. During an election rally in Khair, Adityanath asserted that AMU does not belong exclusively to Muslims and questioned the university’s plan to reserve 50% of its seats for minorities despite receiving government funding.
He demanded that Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) should also have reservation at AMU, accusing opposition parties of prioritizing vote bank politics over inclusivity. Adityanath’s remarks were accompanied by his familiar “Batenge to Katenge” (If Hindus are divided, they will be slaughtered) warning, claiming it is essential for Hindus to unite to prevent historical divisions and oppression.
This statement, previously used in a 2017 speech, has sparked outrage and accusations of hate speech from opposition parties. Adityanath further fuelled tensions by linking AMU’s minority status debate to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Idgah Mosque and Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque disputes, attributing the “humiliation” on these issues to Hindu disunity.
Adityanath’s comments come ahead of the November 20 by-elections in nine Uttar Pradesh constituencies, including Khair, where the BJP is seeking to retain its seat. His remarks have generated significant controversy and are likely to be a major talking point in the upcoming elections.
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