'If You Are Sanyasi Or Wear 'Gerua' Clothes, Then...': Kharge's Veiled Jibe At Yogi Over 'Batoge Toh Katogey' Remark

Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at CM Yogi's 'Bbatoge toh katogey' remark and said, "They are spreading hatred among the people and trying to divide them."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday took a veiled dig at UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath saying, "If you are a sanyasi or wear 'gerua' clothes, then get out of politics."

Kharge hit out at CM Yogi's 'Bbatoge toh katogey' remark and said, "They are spreading hatred among the people and trying to divide them."

Speaking at the 'Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan', the Congress President said, "Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear 'gerua' clothes and have no hair on their heads...I would say to the BJP, either wear white clothes or if you are a sanyasi or wear 'gerua' clothes, then get out of politics."

The slogan 'batoge to katoge', is derived from "batenge to katenge", and has been popularised by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The slogan calling for Hindu unity in the past few weeks has also been backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the 'Save Constitution' conference in Mumbai, the Congress chief targeted the prime minister, alleging discussions and debate are not allowed in Parliament.

Referring to the Prime Minister Modi's 'Ek Hai to Safe Hai' remark, Kharge said, "Who is threatened? Is there any problem? In fact, the country faces threat from RSS, BJP, Modi, and (Union home minister Amit) Shah."

"Issues can be resolved through discussions which will strengthen democracy. But they (BJP) want to dismantle democracy," the Congress leader said.

Kharge was in Mumbai to unveil the manifesto of Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP), for the assembly elections.

The MVA and ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance are locked in a fierce contest for political supremacy in the western state.

He also accused the BJP of distorting issues and dividing people.BJP and RSS have already divided people. We work to unite people, he said.

"He alleged that whenever BJP realises that it cannot win elections and form a government, it uses ED, CBI and other Central agencies against its political adversaries.How long the Central agencies will continue to intimidate politicians and put them in jail? We are fighting against the government with a strong resolve," Kharge said.