The future of Uttar Pradesh's CM, Yogi Adityanath, is often a topic of speculation. Recently, the national president of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, made a prediction about Yogi's seat. During an election rally in Kundarki last week, Akhilesh said that after the Maharashtra elections, Yogi will lose his seat. He stated that the government is worried about retaining their seat because those in Delhi have decided it won’t last post the Maharashtra elections. It so happens that Arvind Kejriwal, the then Delhi CM, had said something similar ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Now Akhilesh Yadav is echoing the same sentiment before the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections. However, Yogi Adityanath might have risen above the position of a mere Chief Minister. The opposition might not be grasping this or is perhaps intentionally overlooking it. But Akhilesh Yadav can’t deny that the BJP's win or loss in the Maharashtra Assembly elections is closely intertwined with Yogi Adityanath's future.
Growing Strength of Yogi with RSS's Expanding Influence
Typically, poor performance in assembly or Lok Sabha elections can be deemed a valid reason for removing any Chief Minister. Under this premise, BJP's seats in Uttar Pradesh reduced to 255 in 2022 from a thumping 312 in 2019. Similarly, in the Lok Sabha elections, the party contested 78 seats and won 62 in 2019, but this number dwindled to 33 in 2024. Yogi Adityanath, having already weathered these storms, might not face a significant challenge even if there is a loss in the Maharashtra assembly election or in the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh's nine assembly constituencies. On the contrary, RSS has taken the reins in Maharashtra this time. Every member is actively working towards BJP's victory in Maharashtra.
To rectify the Lok Sabha election blunders, BJP has increased coordination with RSS, holding at least half a dozen meetings with leaders like Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to map out a winning strategy. RSS has mobilized its cadre in weak constituencies. An RSS leader told the Indian Express that there is a clear difference in functioning between BJP and RSS. Their volunteers are not conducting rallies or appealing for votes for specific candidates. RSS has activated its network to raise awareness about crucial issues posing threats to Hindu unity. Their goal is a strong Hindu nation working for all beyond caste, community, and religion. Volunteers are reaching out in small groups to ensure not just 100% voting but also guiding on how and whom to vote for. As RSS's influence on the party grows, Yogi Adityanath’s strength will likely augment.
'Divided We Fall' Gains Approval
The BJP seems divided over Yogi Adityanath's slogan 'Divided We Fall,' despite PM Modi having simplified it with 'United We Stand.' Even RSS has shown a positive stance towards the slogan. Despite this, there are voices raising concerns, suggesting Yogi might have overstepped with this slogan. Within the ruling grand alliance battling elections in Maharashtra, this slogan has spurred disagreements. NCP leader Ajit Pawar has distanced himself from it, and two Maharashtra BJP leaders, Pankaja Munde and Ashok Chavan, question its relevance to Maharashtra. Despite this, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis seems to have faith in the slogan, depicting it as potential strategy: some oppose and some endorse. Overall, 'Divided We Fall' remains central in Maharashtra’s electoral narrative. If the alliance wins, the slogan and its originator will take the credit, and Yogi's demand might scale up in upcoming assembly elections in other states.
Could Keshav Maurya and Brajesh Pathak be Parted Too?
The furor over CM Yogi’s slogan 'Divided We Fall' is not limited to Maharashtra; it simmers in UP BJP too. Initially, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya tried to distance himself from the debate, but later seemed to surrender, stating the slogan might have been context-specific and not a party slogan. He points out that the supreme leader, PM Modi, talks about unity with 'United We Stand.' UP's another Deputy CM, Brajesh Pathak, in Varanasi, emphasized that BJP collaboratively works to advance Sanatan culture. The opposition Yogi faces from his Deputy CMs hasn't receded in Uttar Pradesh. Such internal conflicts among leaders in UP have stalled proper administrative functioning. Various departments, like from the DGP's office to medical institutions, run on acting appointments. Everything is in a 'wait and watch' mode, possibly set to conclude post-Maharashtra elections.
