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On his visit to Kanpur, the Right-wing leader urged Hindus to prioritise population growth to secure their future and safeguard their identity
Pravin Togadia’s remark has reignited a political and social controversy, with the Samajwadi Party accusing him of being disconnected from the realities of modern family life. (PTI)
Is ‘Jo Ghat Gaya Woh Mit Gaya’ the new catchphrase for Uttar Pradesh? The state was witness to yet another slogan when Dr Pravin Togadia, a prominent Right-wing leader, coined a slogan during his recent visit to UP — ‘Jo Ghat Gaya, Woh Mit Gaya’ (Those whose numbers are reduced are decimated). The leader also called upon the Hindu community to have at least three children as a means to secure their future.
Togadia’s remark has reignited a political and social controversy, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) accusing him of being disconnected from the realities of modern family life.
On his visit to Kanpur, Togadia urged Hindus to prioritise population growth to secure their future and safeguard their identity. In his address during a programme associated with Kumbh Mela near Ganga Barrage area of Kanpur, Togadia warned: “Jo Ghat Gaya, Woh Mit Gaya” — emphasising that a decline in population could lead to marginalisation.
Expressing alarm over the perceived declining Hindu population in India, Togadia predicted that it could reduce significantly in the coming years, creating a scenario akin to that of Bangladesh. “We must awaken our community to prevent what happened in Bangladesh from occurring here,” he said, referring to the drastic demographic shift in the neighbouring country.
“Only through unity and numbers can we ensure a secure future,” he added, urging the community to recognise the potential risks of diminishing population trends.
The Right-wing leader, during his visit to Bareilly a few days ago, had also urged people from the Hindu community to have three kids in order to boost the dwindling population of the community.
The slogan has sparked a fresh controversy in UP, where the SP said “it’s unfortunate that people who don’t understand the pressure of raising a family are giving such slogans”.
“It’s unfortunate that individuals who fail to understand the pressures and challenges of raising a family in today’s world — the emotional and financial resources required — are promoting such divisive slogans. The decision about the number of children a family should have is deeply personal and must remain their prerogative,” said Abhishek Mishra, national secretary and spokesperson of SP.
Mishra further said in a democratic country like India, people have the freedom to express their opinions, but it is ultimately the families who should decide based on their circumstances. “Reproductive choices should not be dictated or influenced by external forces. Importantly, the government should ensure that its policies remain neutral and are not guided by such rhetoric,” he added.
Controversial follow-up to ‘Batenge toh katenge’?
The catchphrase has emerged as a controversial follow-up to one of UP’s most polarising slogans of 2024 — ‘Batenge Toh Katenge — which was coined by chief minister Yogi Adityanath. It was first introduced in August amid rising tensions following reports of attacks on Hindus after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in Bangladesh, serving as a call for Hindu unity.
Addressing a public gathering in Agra, Adityanath had declared: “Nothing can be above the nation. And the nation will be empowered only when we are united. ‘Batenge Toh Katenge, Ek Rahenge Toh Nek Rahenge.”
The slogan gained further prominence on October 26, when RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale endorsed it, framing Hindu unity as the organisation’s “lifetime pledge”. Hosabale remarked, “If the Hindu society does not remain united, then ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’ could become a reality,” reaffirming the Sangh’s commitment to solidarity.
However, the phrase sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav labelled it a “negative slogan”, symbolising BJP’s “disappointment and failure”. He further predicted that it would be remembered as the BJP’s “worst slogan” and a harbinger of its political decline.
When Togadia Met RSS Chief After 6 Years
After years of separation from the Sangh, Togadia rekindled his connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a visit to its headquarters in Nagpur on October 12, marking his return after a six-year hiatus.
Togadia, who resigned as the international working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in 2018, held detailed discussions with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, signaling a potential thaw in relations.
Speaking on the meeting, Togadia stated, “Both the RSS and I have been working on the same issues.” He emphasised that the discussions covered a wide array of topics, including Hindutva, the challenges faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, and women’s empowerment. Togadia highlighted the need to train women to become strong, empowered citizens while also addressing safety concerns.
