<h1>PM Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks political spat over cultural respect and appropriation ahead of elections.</h1> A parliamentary exchange began when the Prime Minister referred to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as 'Bankim da,' prompting a TMC objection favoring the honorific 'Bankim Babu.' The PM acknowledged the sentiment, but the remark escalated into partisan accusations: the TMC accused the BJP of cultural appropriation and belittling Bengal's icons, while the BJP called the TMC's reaction performative and countered with allegations that the TMC had damaged cultural heritage and misused symbolism for politics.