Journey of India’s political slogans: a blend of promises and the pulse of the people.
Slogans have always been the rallying cries that resonate with the masses during Lok Sabha elections. From stirring emotions to igniting hope, these slogans represent the aspirations and promises of political parties craving for power. As the country hosts another election, let’s look into some of the most iconic slogans that have left a mark on Indian political history.
Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan– (Hail the soldier, hail the farmer)
Coined by Lal Bhahadur Shastri in 1965 to encourage the soldiers to protect the nation and the farmers to do their best to reduce the dependence on imported food grains. The slogan was popular at the time as the country was going through a food crisis.
Jana Sangh ko vote do, beedi peena chhod do; beedi mein tambaku hai, Congress wala daku hai-(Vote for Jana Sangh, Stop smoking bidi, Bidi has tobacco, Congressmen are dacoits)
In 1967 LS polls Jana Sangh used this slogan against Congress and it worked well as the Jana Sangh more than doubled its tally to 35, from 14 in 1962.
Indira Hatao, Desh Bachao– (Send off Indra and save the nation)
Coined by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1977 for the opposition who stood against Indira Gandhi post-emergency.
Ek Sherni, Sau Langur, Chikmagalur, Chikmagalur– (One lioness, a hundred langurs, Chikmagalur, Chikmagalur.)
It was coined by Devraj Urs in 1978 when Indira Gandhi won by-elections from Chikmagalur. The 1978 by-elections were important as Indira Gandhi was defeated in 1977 LS elections and faced aggressive opposition. It was the first time that Congress lost elections post-independence. Jana Sangha used the slogan “Indira Hatao, DeshBachao”, so the Congress used this slogan in response to it.
Jab Tak Suraj Chand Rahega, Indira Tera Naam Rahega- (Indira Gandhi’s name will live as long as the sun and the moon live)
The slogan was used in 1984 elections after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. Congress was successful to gather the sympathy of the masses and won 404 seats out of the total 514.
Raja Nahi Faqir Hai, Desh Ki Taqdeer Hai-(He is not a king. He is an ascetic and the fate of the nation)
It was used in 1989 when Vishwanath Pratap Singh was accused of commission in defence deals, he resigned as the defence minister.
Bari Bari Sabki Bari, Abki Bari Atal Bihari-(Everybody got their chance. Now, it’s Atal Bihari’s turn)
It was used at BJP Lucknow election rally in 1996. The slogan was used to emphasize the leadership of Vajpayee. The slogan led to Vajpayee’s 13-day rule as a Prime Minister.
Congress Ka Haath, Aam Aadmi ke Saath- (Congress party’s hand with the common man)
Voters who elected the Congress found resonance with the slogan after winning 2004 LS elections. The congress came to power in 2004 after the fall of NDA government and this slogan was used to connect with the common man.
‘Vikas ki chabhi, Dimple bhabhi’ and ‘Vikas ka pahiya, Akhilesh Bhaiyya-(‘Key to development, Dimple Bhabhi’ and ‘Akhilesh Bhaiyya’s wheel of progress’)
This one liner was used in 2017 during the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Elections to promote Akhilesh Yadav and his wife Dimple who were contesting for elections. BJP has been dominating the political landscape of the state in 2014, so the Samajwadi Party attempted to promote the image of its top leaders. However, SP lost the elections.
Haath Badlega Haalat– (Hand will mark the change) – Hand is the symbol of Congress party.
This is the title of Congress campaign song for 2024 Lok Sabha elections. After not being in power for a decade, the Congress is campaigning to bring a change by choosing their party in 2024 LS polls.
Abki baar 400 paar– (Will cross 400 seats mark this time)
The BJP used this slogan for 2024 LS polls as they chase the target to get more than 400 seats to remain in power for third consecutive term.
Aya Ram, gaya Ram
The proverb is used for politicians who often switch political parties around elections.
Jab Tak Rahega Samose Mein Aloo, Tab Tak Rahega Bihar Mein Lalu-(As long as there is potato in samosas, Lalu will remain the CM of Bihar)
The slogan was very popular in the state of Bihar as Lalu Prasad Yadav served as the CM of the state for a decade.
Maa, Maati, Manush– (Mother, motherland and people)
Coined by Mamata Banerjee, the slogan has a deep emotional connection with people in Bengal.
As the nation casts votes in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, slogan serve as more than just catchy phrases, they represent hopes, dreams and aspirations of millions of voters.
