West Bengal’s education minister Bratya Basu has accused the Union government of using a circular on the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ to undermine the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, escalating a cultural and political dispute that touches on nationalism, identity and the role of literature in public life.Addressing reporters in Kolkata on Thursday, Basu said the directive from the Centre was “not aimed at glorifying” Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay or his composition, but was instead an attempt to “demean and belittle” Tagore. He maintained that while ‘Vande Mataram’ remains revered in Bengal, the manner in which the instruction was issued carried political undertones.
“We were very clear and candid on this issue. Chattopadhyay’s ‘Vande Mataram’ is revered in Bengal. But what the Centre did, in issuing the ‘Vande Mataram’ circular, was try to demean Tagore,” Basu said. He added that Tagore, the country’s first Nobel laureate in literature, was “interwoven in the Bengali soul” and stood for unity rather than division.
The controversy centres on a communication from the Union government encouraging educational institutions to observe an occasion linked to ‘Vande Mataram’, the song first published in the late nineteenth century in Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath. The hymn played a significant role during the anti-colonial movement and was later accorded the status of the national song, distinct from the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, composed by Tagore.
Political leaders from the Trinamool Congress, which governs West Bengal, argue that elevating ‘Vande Mataram’ through official circulars risks sidelining Tagore’s contributions and promoting a narrower reading of nationalism. Basu alleged that organisations aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have historically been critical of Tagore’s liberal humanism and his emphasis on pluralism.
Tagore, born in 1861 in Kolkata, reshaped Bengali literature and music and won the Nobel Prize in 1913 for Gitanjali. He later composed ‘Jana Gana Mana’, adopted as the national anthem after Independence. His writings frequently warned against aggressive nationalism and sectarian politics, themes that remain contested in contemporary debates.
‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s, evokes the motherland as a divine figure. While widely celebrated during the freedom struggle, parts of the song have drawn criticism from some minority groups who view certain imagery as religiously exclusive. Successive governments have navigated these sensitivities by encouraging respect for the song without mandating participation.
The Union government has defended its outreach on cultural observances as part of a broader effort to strengthen awareness of the freedom movement and national heritage among students. Officials have indicated that the circular does not compel institutions to enforce participation but encourages commemorative activities. No formal response to Basu’s remarks was immediately available from the education ministry at the Centre.
The exchange reflects a deeper contest between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over cultural symbols in Bengal, where identity politics often intertwine with literary and artistic heritage. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has frequently invoked Tagore as a unifying figure and criticised what she describes as attempts to impose a homogenised cultural narrative.
Scholars of modern Indian history note that both Tagore and Chattopadhyay occupy foundational places in the intellectual life of Bengal. Chattopadhyay, a deputy magistrate under colonial rule and a pioneering novelist, helped shape early nationalist thought. Tagore, by contrast, articulated a more internationalist vision, engaging with thinkers across Europe and Asia while remaining rooted in Bengali culture.
Education policy has become a recurring flashpoint between state governments and the Centre, particularly on curriculum content and commemorative practices. West Bengal has previously resisted certain centrally promoted programmes, arguing that states retain constitutional authority over aspects of education. The Centre, for its part, has emphasised uniform standards and shared national values.
Analysts observe that symbolic disputes often resonate strongly in Bengal, where literary figures command deep emotional attachment. Tagore’s songs form part of daily life, from school assemblies to cultural festivals, and his image is closely associated with the region’s intellectual heritage. Any perception of slight to his stature can quickly acquire political significance.
Basu’s remarks also highlight how cultural debates intersect with broader ideological differences. He asserted that Tagore’s message of unity contrasted with what he described as divisive tendencies among right-leaning groups. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have rejected such characterisations in the past, arguing that honouring ‘Vande Mataram’ reflects respect for the freedom movement rather than hostility towards other icons.