Kanpur: Amid various reactions to his slogan from political circles, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his "Batoge to Katoge" slogan during a roadshow in the Sishamau constituency in Kanpur on Saturday.
While campaigning for BJP candidate Suresh Awasthi, Yogi Adityanath once again said, "Batoge to Katoge" (division leads to defeat) and added, "Ek rahoge to safe rahoge, nek rahoge" (If you stay united, you will be safe and noble).
He urged voters to remember that division leads to defeat while casting their votes on Nov 20, emphasising to remember two key symbols—"Jai Shri Ram" and "Kamal ka phool".
The roadshow began with the inauguration of a saffron-coloured chariot amid chants and the blowing of conches by 51 priests. Minister Suresh Khanna adorned CM Yogi with a saffron turban before the event. The chief minister held a lotus symbol in his hand and was accompanied by MPs and party legislators. Over 500 women from the BJP's women's wing also participated in the roadshow, wearing lotus-patterned saris and carrying placards.
Yogi Adityanath's entourage first reached Bajaraiya intersection, passing through Narendra Mohan Bridge, Swaroop Nagar, and Eidgah, with the roadshow commencing at 1:30 PM. He traversed approximately two kilometres in 50 minutes, concluding the roadshow at Sangeet Talkies at 2:20 PM. The route included stops at Ram Bagh, Harsahay College, Niranjan Niwas, Gopal Talkies, Central Bank intersection, Vijay Tower, Lenin Park, Jwala Devi, and Anand Bagh. Locals warmly welcomed him at various junctions, offering garlands and raising slogans in his support.
During the event, Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude for the substantial support Suresh Awasthi is receiving in Sishamau.
As the procession moved towards Lenin Park, people showered flowers from rooftops. Yogi's supporters danced enthusiastically ahead of his chariot, drawing smiles from the CM. Supporters waved saffron flags, held cutouts of PM Modi, and chanted slogans like "Batoge to Katoge" while raising voices against casteism and nepotism in the opposition.
Surveillance for the event began on Friday, with drones monitoring key areas. By 8 AM on Saturday, police officers equipped with binoculars were stationed on high-rise buildings along the route. They also inspected rooftops of houses in the area. Drone surveillance continued throughout the day, covering nine intersections along the roadshow route.
In Ghaziabad, residents from all sections of society welcomed the CM by lighting up their mobile torches. Youth danced to songs like ‘Yogi Ji Aaye Hein, Yogi ji Hi Aayenge. Santon ki Nagri ko, Baba hi Chalayenge'. The public welcomed him with slogans like ‘EK hi Nara, Ek hi Naam, Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Ram'," the spokesperson added.