Kolkata, December 9, 2025 — West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly apologise for referring to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as “Bankim da” during his speech marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Banerjee said the Prime Minister’s comment insulted the nation’s culture, history, and freedom movement, asserting that even an apology would not suffice to undo the disrespect.

Addressing a political rally in Cooch Behar district in north Bengal, Banerjee expressed her disapproval over Modi’s choice of words. “Yesterday he referred to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as Bankim da, as if he were just any ordinary person. He wrote our National Song, and yet he was not given the minimum respect. He should apologise publicly, even then he will not be forgiven because he has insulted the nation’s heritage,” she said.

During his speech in Parliament recounting the rise of the Swadeshi movement, PM Modi had said, “This spirit created by Bankim da…”, prompting TMC MP Sougata Roy to immediately intervene, stating that the term “da” was inappropriate when referring to such a historic figure. The remarks sparked protests in Delhi as well, where TMC MPs staged a silent demonstration in the central hall of Parliament.

Banerjee Escalates Criticism Over Centre’s Fund Restrictions

Stepping up her criticism of the Centre, Banerjee also addressed the ongoing issue of restrictions imposed on state funds under the MGNREGA scheme. In a dramatic gesture during her rally, she tore up a document, which she claimed was a copy of the Centre’s communique imposing limitations on the state. While clarifying that it was not the official government order, she said, “I take this as an insult and disrespect. We don’t need your alms.”

Banerjee highlighted the financial strain imposed on West Bengal due to these restrictions. She claimed that the state had lost approximately 118 crore (1.18 billion) man-days under MGNREGA, leaving millions of poor citizens without their due wages. To counter the Centre’s actions, the state government launched the Karmashree scheme, spending ₹2,700 crore to support 5.9 million people and creating over one billion man-days. “We know how to come up with alternatives. We don’t want your mercy,” she said.

BJP Responds to Banerjee’s Remarks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded sharply to Banerjee’s criticism, accusing her of remaining silent on remarks made by A Raja, a DMK MP, and questioning her priorities. Amit Malviya, BJP IT chief, wrote on X, “Mamata Banerjee must speak up against the INDI Alliance, of which she is a part, as it continues to denigrate and defile the rich legacy of Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Is TMC’s alliance with the DMK and Congress more important than the pride of West Bengal? Shame on her.”

Election Timing and Special Intensive Revision

Banerjee also spoke about the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, claiming that the government may announce elections immediately after the publication of the final electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in February. “They will declare elections just after the final rolls of SIR are out, so that nobody gets the chance to legally challenge the rolls. This ensures elections are held based on that list,” she said.

The controversy surrounding PM Modi’s remark has sparked a wider debate on the respect and recognition due to historical figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose literary works and patriotic contributions are considered a cornerstone of India’s cultural and nationalist heritage.

Banerjee’s remarks come at a politically sensitive time, as the TMC navigates both state-level electoral preparations and its stance in the broader national political landscape, signaling a continued confrontational posture against the central government.