Now in Canada “Batenge To Katenge” echoes

The slogan for Hindus to forgo differences and stand united that has been circulating in India in recent days, echoed in Canada after a temple was attacked by a pro-Khalistani mob. A video showed the priest of the temple in Brampton, where devotees were attacked, warning community members, "Batoge to Katoge" (division will bring annihilation).

Calling for Hindu unity after a pro-Khalistani mob attacked devotees at Brampton's Hindu Sabha temple, the temple's priest addressed the gathering saying, "Batoge to Katoge", a slogan seeking to unite Hindus irrespective of religion, caste, and ideology.

"In Canada, too, Hindus need to be united... If you stay united, you will be saved," he appealed to the crowd in front of the temple, as seen in several videos on social media. "This is not just an attack on any Hindu Sabha [Temple]; this is an attack on every Hindu around the world," the priest whose name could not be ascertained was heard saying. "That’s why the time has come for us to stop thinking only about ourselves and start thinking about our future generations," the priest added after the attack.

The people outside the Hindu temple also raised the slogan, "Bharat Mata ki Jai."

The pro-Khalistani group barged into the temple premises and attacked the devotees holding Khalistani flags. While Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a Hindu MP in his Cabinet, criticised the attack, they tried to whitewash the fact that the attackers were pro-Khalistani supporters.

Trudeau named and thanked the Peel Regional Police for protecting the community and investigating the incident. However, the Peel Police is being criticised for its high-handedness and "bias." The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for an investigation into the police’s actions as well.

The slogan 'batoge to katoge', is derived from "batenge to katenge", which was popularised by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It became a call for Hindu unity in the last few weeks.

During Janmashtami celebrations in August, CM Yogi said that the strength of the nation lay in staying together. Making a reference to the Bangladesh crisis and Hindus being persecuted there, Yogi Adityanath said, "Batenge to katenge". The slogan was later endorsed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) too.