Mamata Demands PM’s Apology Over ‘Bankim da’ Remark
Bengal CM accuses BJP of insulting Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, sparks political row
- Mamata Banerjee says PM Modi disrespected Bankim Chandra by calling him “Bankim da”
- CM demands public apology, accuses BJP of belittling Bengal’s icons
- Issue arose during Lok Sabha discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram
- TMC MP Saugata Roy objected, urging PM to use “Bankim Babu” instead
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 9th Dec: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she termed an insult to iconic novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, after the prime minister referred to him as “Bankim da” in Parliament.
Speaking at a public rally in Cooch Behar, Banerjee accused the BJP of repeatedly undermining Bengal’s cultural and freedom-fighter heritage. She said the author of Vande Mataram deserved far greater respect than being addressed casually in the Lok Sabha.
“The person who wrote the national song was disrespected. You should bow your head and ask for forgiveness from the people. Yet you won’t be forgiven, because you have disrespected the country’s history and freedom struggle,” Banerjee said.
The controversy erupted during a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, when PM Modi referred to Chattopadhyay as “Bankim da”.
TMC MP Saugata Roy immediately objected to the expression, urging the prime minister to use “Bankim Babu” instead. The remarks triggered a sharp political exchange, with the TMC alleging cultural insensitivity and the BJP dismissing the criticism as unnecessary politicisation.
The row adds a fresh flashpoint to the ongoing tussle between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP ahead of the coming electoral season.
