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PM Modi’s ‘Bankim Da’ Remark Sparks Cultural Row in Bengal Ahead of 2026 Polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as “Bankim da” during a discussion on Vande Mataram in Parliament has triggered a political and cultural row in Bengal. The Trinamool Congress objected sharply, with MP Saugata Roy insisting the Prime Minister use “Bankim Babu”, a more formal honorific traditionally used for revered Bengali icons.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee escalated the issue at a rally, calling the remark disrespectful and demanding an apology from the PM. She argued that Bankim Chandra, the composer of the national song, should not be addressed in a casual, colloquial manner.
The controversy has quickly turned into a political flashpoint ahead of the 2026 Bengal assembly election, with the TMC portraying it as an attack on Bengali culture, while the BJP maintains it was an innocent remark.
Linguists have weighed in too. Experts note that ‘da/dada’ is an informal term meaning elder brother, used for those close or familiar, while ‘babu’ is a respectful suffix meant for esteemed personalities. Scholars say Bengali cultural giants like Bankim Chandra, Tagore or Vidyasagar are typically addressed by name alone or with formal respect — not with colloquial familiarity.
The debate also revived discussions on Bengal’s historical babu culture and modern dada culture, highlighting how language, identity and politics often overlap in the state. With elections approaching, the issue is expected to intensify, adding to a long list of cultural disputes in Bengal’s charged political landscape.
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Published: Dec 10, 2025
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