On the eve of Bhamashah Jayanti and Vyapari Kalyan Diwas, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp critique of the opposition, accusing them of promoting divisive politics rooted in caste for their political survival.
Speaking at a public function organized to honor the legacy of Bhamashah and the contributions of the trading community, the Chief Minister once again emphasized the importance of social unity and national character over caste-based identity.
Addressing a large gathering, CM Adityanath reiterated a slogan that he has come to be associated with in recent years: “Batoge toh katoge, ek rahoge toh nek rahoge” — meaning, “If you divide, you will suffer; if you stay united, you will thrive.” He framed this mantra as a fundamental message for both the people of the state and the political discourse at large.
Accusations Against the Opposition
The Chief Minister lashed out at opposition parties, claiming that their current political strategies revolve around reviving caste divisions to stay relevant.
“Those who once knelt before mafia elements and compromised public institutions for their own gain are now adopting casteism as a political tool,” he said. “In the past, they extorted money from the youth in the name of job recruitment. Today, their methods have changed, but their intentions remain corrupt — now they are trying to divide the fabric of society using caste.”
Adityanath urged citizens to recognize this pattern and resist attempts to polarize communities. He stressed that the development and strength of the nation lie in unity, not in fragmented identities. “We must reject narrow divisions and adopt the broader ideals of national service, as exemplified by great historical figures like Bhamashah,” he stated.
Honouring the Legacy of Bhamashah and Other Reformers
Invoking the legacy of Bhamashah, the legendary minister, warrior, and philanthropist known for his loyalty and financial support to Maharana Pratap, the Chief Minister said society must draw inspiration from such heroes. He described Bhamashah as an exemplary figure whose acts of sacrifice were beyond any social or caste identity.
Adityanath also recalled a historic act of generosity by Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda, who had extended a scholarship to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to pursue higher education abroad. “When Sayajirao Gaekwad helped Dr. Ambedkar, where was caste? These acts of support and upliftment transcend caste. They were driven by vision and humanity,” he emphasized.
Law and Order, Trader Security, and Past Incidents
Highlighting improvements in law and order under his administration, the Chief Minister referred to past incidents of violence and criminality targeting traders. He pointed to the 2016 murder of a trader in Lucknow and a separate shooting incident involving a jeweller in Sultanpur, both of which occurred under the previous government’s watch. He alleged that criminal elements were not only allowed to flourish during that time but were actively shielded by those in power.
“Under our government, we have prioritized the safety of traders and women. We made it absolutely clear — anyone who threatens their security will face immediate and severe consequences. No criminal will be spared,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
He added that when his administration began taking decisive action against such elements, the same political groups that once benefited from caste-based politics began shedding “crocodile tears” to maintain their influence.
Trader Welfare Initiatives Announced
In a move to boost trader morale and encourage formal economic participation, CM Adityanath announced several initiatives aimed at supporting the business community. He instructed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Department to institute annual felicitation ceremonies that would recognize and honour the top 10 GST-paying traders in the state capital and the top 10 from each district.
Additionally, he announced that any GST-registered trader who suffers a fatal or serious accident will be entitled to ₹10 lakh in financial assistance from the government on this commemorative day.
Call for Environmental Responsibility
Apart from law, order, and economic reforms, the Chief Minister also emphasized the need for collective responsibility toward environmental sustainability. He encouraged the trading community and business organizations to actively participate in river rejuvenation programs, afforestation, and other environmental protection initiatives being conducted across all districts of Uttar Pradesh.
“The environment is our shared responsibility. Traders must not only contribute to the economy but also take an active role in preserving natural resources and ecosystems,” Adityanath said.
A Broader Message
By intertwining messages of unity, historical pride, economic empowerment, and social responsibility, CM Yogi Adityanath sought to deliver a wide-ranging appeal — one aimed at countering what he views as the opposition’s divisive politics while rallying key voter groups such as traders and socially conscious citizens around his governance model.
As Uttar Pradesh continues to be a politically significant state with a diverse population, Adityanath’s remarks may set the tone for more ideologically driven political discourse in the run-up to future elections.