New Delhi: The discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our national song began in Lok Sabha on Monday.

There were the usual war of words between the ruling party and Opposition, with Narendra Modi blaming Jawaharlal Nehru for opposing it initially and the Congress hitting back at the Prime Minister. ADVERTISEMENT

However, PM Modi’s choice of words in addressing Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the composer of Vande Mataram, sparked a controversy.

During his speech in Parliament, the Prime Minister hailed the role of Bengal and Vande Mataram in India’s freedom movement.

In his address to MPs, Modi referred to the legendary Bengali poet as ‘Bankim Da’.

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) Saugata Roy interrupted the Prime Minister, objecting to the use of ‘da’.

“You a

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