Bankim 'Babu', Vande Mataram: Parliament Debate Signals Bengal Poll Battle

• Parliament debate on 'Vande Mataram' signals a political battle between BJP and TMC for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.
• PM Modi discussed 'Vande Mataram's' 150th anniversary, alleging Congress truncated its lyrics for "appeasement" politics.
• TMC MPs actively engaged in the debate, speaking in Bangla and interrupting, believing Modi's Bengal poll strategy will fail.
• TMC objected to PM Modi referring to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as "dada" instead of "babu," planning to use this to highlight perceived disrespect for state icons.
• TMC capitalized on a Union Minister's error in addressing Bankim Chandra, labeling it "arrogant" and "anti-Bengal," while BJP aims to connect with Bengal's legacy.

Why It Matters: Vande Mataram debate in Parliament is a proxy battle for West Bengal elections.