By In a rally in Mumbai’s Saki Naka area, Samajwadi Party’s Leader of Opposition, Mata Prasad Pandey, responded to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath‘s slogan “Batenge toh katenge” (division will lead to destruction). Pandey emphasized the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity and urged people to resist the divisive politics of the BJP.
Addressing a diverse crowd in the demographically mixed neighborhood, which has a significant Muslim and North Indian population, Pandey stated, “Hindu-Muslim are two hands of India and should stay together.” He cautioned against falling for the political divisions being fostered in Maharashtra, criticizing the BJP for their defeat in Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Nashik—regions where he claimed the BJP had lost despite their ties to Lord Ram.
Pandey, part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Shiv Sena, Aam Aadmi Party, and others, also condemned the divisive politics in Uttar Pradesh, particularly the bulldozer raj policy and the daily demolition of homes. He criticized Yogi Adityanath’s administration for its alleged misuse of power and poor governance, accusing officials of unfair practices.
Pandey also attacked the BJP for their involvement in corruption, noting that they had failed to live up to promises made to Maharashtra’s voters. He reminded the residents of Saki Naka, particularly those living on the 90 Feet Road, of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray’s campaign against north Indians back in 2008, urging them not to forget who supported them during those challenging times.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde faced protests outside Khan’s party office in Jari Mari. The protests, marked by black flags and the calling of Shinde a “Gaddar” (traitor), led to a confrontation between Shinde and District President Sadhu Katke of the Republican Party of India (Athawale). The tension ended with Katke switching allegiances to Shiv Sena (UBT) the following day.
