Debate Over Honorifics: Modi Accedes to Trinamool's Request

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially referred to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as 'Bankim da', but changed it to 'Bankim Babu' following an objection from Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy during a Lok Sabha debate. Modi light-heartedly questioned if he could continue calling Roy 'dada'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, renowned for authoring Vande Mataram, sparked a brief debate in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy raised an objection to Modi's initial use of 'Bankim da' instead of the more formal 'Bankim Babu'.

During a session commemorating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, PM Modi graciously acknowledged the request, responding, 'I will say Bankim Babu. Thank you, I respect your sentiments.' His remark was met with a lighter quip, asking Roy if he could still call him 'dada'.

Earlier in the debate, the Prime Minister inquired about Roy's well-being, showing camaraderie amidst the formal setting. Roy is currently serving his fifth term as a Lok Sabha member from Dum Dum, West Bengal.

(With inputs from agencies.)