'Batenge toh katenge': Kharge accuses BJP of 'rotten thoughts' and conspiracy in Jharkhand

NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday delivered a fiery critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a charged rally in the heart of Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, accusing it of harboring "rotten thoughts" and plotting to undermine the state’s tribal leadership.

Kharge urged voters to unite against what he described as a divisive and power-hungry agenda.

'Batenge toh katenge'

Taking a sharp jab at the BJP, Kharge said, "The BJP believes in 'batenge toh katenge' — if divided, we will be finished." He was referring to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's "batenge toh katenge" comment which the BJP leader has made several times recently.

In a rhetorical attack, Kharge said it was a direct accusation of the BJP’s strategy to fracture Jharkhand’s social and political fabric to seize control.

Conspiracy against Soren

Kharge also alleged that the BJP's ambitions extended beyond mere electoral victory. "They are conspiring to grab power and send Hemant Soren behind bars," he claimed, warning voters of an orchestrated plan to dethrone the state's tribal chief minister.

Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand assembly will be held on November 13 and 20, while the counting of votes polled will take place on November 23.