Political Storm Brews Over National Symbols in Bengal
A fresh political confrontation has emerged in West Bengal between the ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition BJP, centering around two of Bengal's most revered cultural icons - Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The conflict erupted in November 2025 as both parties position themselves ahead of the crucial Assembly elections scheduled for March-April 2026.
The Controversy That Sparked the Conflict
The political firestorm began when Karnataka BJP leader Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri made controversial remarks during an event celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram. Kageri suggested that Vande Mataram should have been chosen as the national anthem instead of Jana Gana Mana, claiming the latter was written as a welcome song for British officials. Although he later retracted his statement following widespread criticism, the damage was already done.
The TMC immediately seized upon these comments, accusing the BJP of insulting Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who composed Jana Gana Mana. State Education Minister Bratya Basu told media that the BJP practices divisive politics and is now attempting to create a rift between two great Bengali literary giants.
Parallel Celebrations Highlight Deepening Divide
On the same day the BJP announced year-long celebrations for Vande Mataram's 150th anniversary, the West Bengal government made a counter-move. The state administration declared that all government-run and aided schools would sing the state song Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol, written by Tagore.
The political theater continued on Friday, November 7, 2025, when BJP workers across the country, including MPs, MLAs, and leaders in Bengal, celebrated Vande Mataram with torch-bearing ceremonies. Simultaneously, TMC leaders paid floral tributes to Rabindranath Tagore, highlighting the stark political divide.
BJP MP and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized Mamata Banerjee, stating she only remembers Bengali pride when facing political crises. He emphasized that Vande Mataram represents a political song and their celebration is a form of protest.
Cultural Icons Become Political Pawns
The TMC organized a significant rally at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Tagore's ancestral home in north Kolkata, to protest what they called the BJP's insult to Bengal's cultural heritage. State Minister Sashi Panja expressed the collective hurt felt by Bengalis, stating that Tagore lives in their hearts and his works are translated across languages.
Meanwhile, the BJP accused the TMC of practicing appeasement politics and downplaying the importance of Vande Mataram celebrations. The TMC refuted these claims, pointing out that the state government had already formed a committee to honor Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
This cultural-political conflict comes at a crucial juncture, with both parties preparing for the 2026 assembly elections. The battle over Bengal's cultural legacy has become the latest front in the ongoing political war between the two major parties, setting the stage for an intense electoral contest.
