In the high-stakes race for Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi East assembly seat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan “Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain” (United, We Are Safe) has emerged as a defining element of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign. With a sizeable 55% Muslim population, Bhiwandi East has a history of close electoral contests, with previous margins as narrow as 1,300 to 3,300 votes. In this climate, both candidates and constituents are dissecting the impact of the new slogan on the upcoming elections.
The BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have previously held this seat, winning it in both 2010 and 2014. However, the dynamics shifted in 2019 when Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Rais Sheikh, running under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) banner, secured a victory. This election, Sheikh seeks re-election but faces intensified pressure from the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) candidate, Santosh Shetty, who is leaning heavily on the PM’s new message of unity.
Rais Sheikh, a seasoned political figure, has dismissed the slogan as a “last-minute attempt to divide society.” He contends that Maharashtra’s progressive values, inspired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s teachings, stand in stark contrast to divisive rhetoric. “This is a state that follows Ambedkar’s ideology,” he told Media persons. “Such slogans may work elsewhere, but here, they only bolster our position.” Sheikh asserts that his opponents are aware they can’t secure victory based on development alone and are resorting to social divides. “They know they cannot win on development; they know what we’ve accomplished,” he added.
In response, Santosh Shetty accused Sheikh of mobilizing Muslim voters with identity politics. “He claims unity, but in closed meetings, he emphasizes ‘woh toh ek ho gaye’ [they’ve united against us],” Shetty argued, suggesting Sheikh’s rhetoric is meant to sway Muslim votes against the BJP. “Our slogan is about inclusion for everyone, including Muslims,” Shetty stated, adding that the BJP’s vision is to foster unity while protecting communities from “infiltrators” in Bhiwandi.
On the streets of Bhiwandi, however, the mood appears mixed. Among many locals, the slogan has stirred skepticism about the motives behind its introduction. “The BJP is saying wrong things; they want communities to fight,” a group of elderly Muslim residents voiced, emphasizing that their primary concern is development. According to them, Rais Sheikh has delivered on promises, and his track record has earned him trust across communities. “Vote for those who work, not on caste or religion,” one elderly resident said, adding that no previous legislator has matched Sheikh’s efforts in local development.
Meanwhile, BJP supporters argue that the opposition’s stance is an attempt to construct a “false narrative” about the BJP’s agenda. They insist that BJP policies, including welfare programs for women, benefit all communities equally. “This slogan is not communal,” one supporter stated, asserting that the Congress is diverting the conversation by spreading fear about constitutional threats. “Everyone knows where the unity lies this time,” he said, referring to the BJP’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth.
Sheikh is confident that the Bhiwandi East seat will witness a decisive result in his favor. “This election won’t be close. I’m a Muslim candidate, but my supporters include people from all backgrounds, from Dalits to Marathas,” he said, pointing to allies like Swati Tai and Tejas Patil. “I think development will work,” he concluded, underscoring his commitment to a development-first agenda.
Shetty, however, remains optimistic, emphasizing the strength of the PM’s slogan as he works to unseat Sheikh. “Stay united, become one, and let’s send Sheikh back to Mumbai,” Shetty said, expressing confidence that “Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain” will carry him to victory.
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