TMC Slammed BJP, Saying That The Entire Debate was a Distraction from the Centre’s Failings

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The ongoing winter session heated up after PM Modi’s ‘Da’ remark on ‘Vande Mataram’ song composer Bankim Chandra drew objections from a TMC MP. This led to a short but notable exchange in the House.

The Controversial Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ to mark its 150th anniversary. During his remarks on Monday (December 8, 2025), the Prime Minister referred to the song’s composer, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, as ‘Bankim Da.’ 

This reference drew an immediate objection from Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Saugata Roy, who said the PM should use ‘Bankim Babu’ instead.

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PM Modi was quick to respond. He said, “I will say Bankim Babu. Thank you, I respect your sentiments,” before joking, “Can I call you dada, or is that also an issue?”

The Prime Minister also praised the national song, speaking about its history and its role during the freedom movement.

PM Modi, during his speech, said, “Bengal was partitioned, but the Swadeshi movement picked up. Vande Mataram resonated across the country. Bankim created a bhaav vishwa through his song. The British banned Vande Mataram. Singing or publishing, or even uttering the words Vande Mataram, could result in punishment.”

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Did PM Modi Disrespect Bankim Chandra?

‘Da’ is the short form of ‘dada’, which means elder brother in the Bengali language. This is used informally for someone older, familiar, or respected in a friendly way.

‘Babu’ is a formal and respectful way to address an educated and respected gentleman. The term Babu is also referred to as a sarcastic reference to the colonial-era intellectual Bangalis who attempted to ‘adapt’ to British culture.

The great novelist and poet Bankim Chandra Chatterjee should be referred to as ‘Babu’ instead of ‘Da’ to show respect.

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TMC Slams PM Modi

TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar criticised BJP, saying, “Today, honourable PM Narendra Modi referred to ‘Rishi’ Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as ‘Bankim Da’, creating the impression that he was having a casual conversation with the literary icon at a local tea shop. Bengalis will not tolerate the belittling of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, as they did not tolerate the disrespect shown to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar when his bust was vandalised.”

Amit Shah on Vande Mataram

Union Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned in Parliament, "Some members raised questions in the Lok Sabha on the need for these discussions on Vande Mataram. The need for discussion on Vande Mataram, the need for dedication towards Vande Mataram, was important back then; it is needed now, and it will always be significant for a bright future which we have envisioned for 2047... Some think these discussions are being held because of the upcoming elections in Bengal. They want to demean the glorification of our national song by relating these discussions to the Bengal elections.” 

“It is true that the composer of Vande Mataram, Bankim Babu, was from Bengal, the Anand Matth had its origin in Bengal, but Vande Mataram was not limited to Bengal or the country... When a soldier at the border of the country, or a policeman guarding the country from inside, sacrifices his life for the country, Vande Mataram is the only slogan he raises," the Union Minister continued.

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Amit Shah also targeted Congress over Indira Gandhi's imposition of the Emergency and said ‘those who wanted to sing Vande Mataram were jailed’. 

The debate on Vande Mataram has fueled the political scene in West Bengal. With a couple of months left before the 2026 election, BJP faces tough competition in the state. In the 2021 assembly polls, TMC won 213 of the total 294 seats while the BJP managed to win just 77.