PM Modi Hails 'Vande Mataram' as 'National Awakening Chant' in Bengal Amid Row

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi described 'Vande Mataram' as a "national awakening chant" during a virtual public program in Nadia, West Bengal.
• Modi linked the national song to India's freedom movement and Bengal's cultural legacy, highlighting Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's role.
• He concluded his speech with "Vande Mataram," departing from his usual closing slogan of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai."
• PM Modi criticized the West Bengal government for alleged poor governance, corruption, and stalled development projects, citing public demand for change with "Bachte chai, BJP chai."
• The remarks come amidst a heated parliamentary debate over 'Vande Mataram,' marking its 150th anniversary, with Modi accusing Congress of appeasement politics and Amit Shah criticizing opposition walkouts.

Why It Matters: PM Modi declared 'Vande Mataram' a national awakening chant, linking it to Bengal amidst a parliamentary row.