In recent weeks, the political landscape in West Bengal has been marked by a heated debate surrounding two of the state’s most revered literary figures: Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. These iconic poets, whose works have shaped Bengali culture and Indian nationalism, have become focal points in a tussle between political parties seeking to appropriate their legacies for electoral and ideological gains. This controversy reflects broader tensions in West Bengal’s politics as the state approaches its 2026 Assembly elections, highlighting the complex interplay between culture, identity, and political rivalry.
The controversy began in early November when the West Bengal government issued a directive requiring that Tagore’s song “Banglar Maati Bangla Jol” (Bengal’s Land and Bengal’s Water) be sung during morning assemblies in all state-run schools. This move followed a December 2023 notification that declared the song as the official State anthem and mandated its inclusion alongside the national anthem at all state government events. By elevating Tagore’s composition to this status, the state government sought to reaffirm Bengal’s cultural identity and pay homage to one of its greatest literary icons.
Almost simultaneously, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs at the central level, organized an event celebrating the 150th anniversary of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s “Vande Mataram,” a song deeply associated with India’s freedom struggle. The BJP’s West Bengal leadership quickly seized upon this occasion to highlight what they described as the state government’s neglect of Chattopadhyay’s legacy. BJP leaders visited several sites connected to the poet, drawing attention to their perceived neglect and accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state government of disrespecting “Vande Mataram.” They also questioned the timing and appropriateness of mandating Tagore’s song in schools, suggesting a political motive behind the decision.
The TMC responded swiftly and strongly to these accusations. They accused the BJP of disrespecting Tagore and criticized BJP MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri for making derogatory comments about the poet. Kageri had controversially claimed that Tagore’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” was written to “welcome British officials” and argued that “Vande Mataram” should have been India’s national anthem instead. These remarks sparked protests by the TMC at Jorasanko Thakurbari, Tagore’s ancestral home in Kolkata, underscoring the emotional and political significance of the poet’s legacy in Bengal.
This confrontation has effectively reduced the two literary giants to symbolic representatives of opposing political parties: Tagore as the icon of the TMC and Chattopadhyay as the figurehead for the BJP. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee acknowledged that there was an attempt to create a divisive narrative between the two poets. She also noted the historical debate among scholars regarding the exact date of composition of “Vande Mataram” and mentioned that her government had formed a committee to observe the sesquicentennial celebrations of the song in a measured and scholarly manner.
The debate has also been influenced by developments in the neighboring state of Assam, where a local Congress leader was reportedly booked following instructions from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for singing Tagore’s “Amar Sonar Bangla” (O My Golden Bengal). This song, which is also the national anthem of Bangladesh, holds deep cultural significance for Bengalis. In response to the police action in Assam, academics and civil society members in Kolkata organized protests, singing “Amar Sonar Bangla” in solidarity and as a form of resistance. This incident underscored the charged atmosphere surrounding cultural and linguistic identities in the region.
Historically, the debate between “Jana Gana Mana” and “Vande Mataram” as national symbols has been raised by fringe groups but has now entered mainstream political discourse in West Bengal. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the issue has been politicized to a greater extent, reflecting deeper electoral and ideological battles. While Tagore’s towering influence on Bengali identity and culture is undisputed, it is essential to recognize that Bengal’s literary and cultural heritage is diverse and inclusive of many voices, including Chattopadhyay’s.
The BJP has adeptly stoked this debate, attempting to leverage cultural icons for political advantage. However, critics argue that the TMC should avoid