‘Bankim Da’ or ‘Bankim Babu’? PM Modi-TMC Spar in House
Modi quickly switches to “Bankim Babu” after TMC objection during Vande Mataram debate
- PM Modi refers to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as “Bankim Da,” prompting objection from TMC’s Saugata Roy
- Modi acknowledges sentiment, switches to “Bankim Babu,” and adds a light-hearted remark
- PM highlights Vande Mataram’s role as a symbol of resistance during the freedom struggle
- Parliament holds 10-hour discussion marking 150 years of the national song
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th Dec: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday, opening a special discussion to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, saw a brief but notable exchange over how to address the song’s composer, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
PM Modi referred to the literary icon as “Bankim Da,” using a common Bengali suffix for brother or elder friend. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy immediately objected, arguing that the cultural figure should be addressed as “Bankim Babu” instead. “You are saying Bankim Da? You should say Bankim Babu,” Roy interjected.
Responding promptly, Modi said, “I will say Bankim Babu. Thank you, I respect your sentiments,” before lightening the moment by asking, “I can call you dada, right? Or you have an objection to that too?”
The Prime Minister then continued his address, highlighting the pivotal role Vande Mataram played during India’s freedom movement. The song, he said, was not just a call for political liberation but a “sacred war cry to rid Bharatmata of vestiges of colonialism.” He noted that its influence was so powerful that the British imposed bans on singing and printing it to curb nationalist sentiment.
Parliament has allocated ten hours for the discussion, which will also take place in the Rajya Sabha. While Modi opened the debate, Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi are among those scheduled to speak as the House reflects on the history and legacy of the national song.
