By CJP Team   

On October 24, 2024, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) filed a complaint with the Maharashtra State Election Commission, raising grave concerns about the violation of election laws through the use of divisive communal messaging in posters displayed across Mumbai. These posters prominently feature Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alongside the slogan “बटेंगे तो कटेंगे” (“Batenge to katenge”), which translates to “If divided, we will be cut,” and are alleged to foster communal tensions as Maharashtra heads toward its Assembly elections on November 20, 2024.

CJP’s complaint highlights the inflammatory nature of this messaging, arguing that it is part of a broader attempt to appeal to communal sentiments and polarise the electorate. The posters bear the name of Vishwabandhu Rai, a BJP leader, indicating his involvement in their dissemination. The complaint stresses that these posters mirror remarks made by Chief Minister Adityanath in August 2024 in Agra, where he referred to the political situation in Bangladesh, cautioning against divisions within India and hinting at violent consequences if such divisions occur. The posters leverage these remarks to stoke fear among voters by implicitly linking communal harmony with political outcomes.

 Specific concerns raised by CJP

  1. Use of communal and fear-based messaging: The core message, “If divided, we will be cut,” positions the upcoming elections within a broader communal and national security framework. By warning of potential violence if certain communities do not “stay united” in line with a particular political vision, CJP argues that the posters are intended to play upon communal divisions, particularly affecting Muslim and minority communities. The complaint also notes that the use of saffron, yellow, and green as the dominant colours in the posters is a calculated move to invoke specific religious sentiments.
  2. Context of CM Yogi Adityanath’s speech in Agra: CJP highlights that the poster’s messaging is drawn directly from CM Yogi Adityanath’s speech, where he raised concerns about the mistakes made in Bangladesh and suggested that a similar fate awaits India if communities remain divided. By utilising such remarks in the context of a highly polarised election environment, CJP argues that the BJP is indirectly fostering fear and sowing the seeds of communal discord.

This story was originally published in sabrangindia.in. Read the full story here.