Vande Mataram: How BJP is Reimagining Bankim Chandra's Legacy for Modern Indian Politics

Dec 08, 2025 09:59 pm CST

This comprehensive analysis examines how Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP are strategically invoking Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya's iconic "Vande Mataram" to shape nationalist discourse and political identity ahead of Bengal's 2026 elections. The article explores the historical significance of the anthem, its evolution from literature to political symbol, and the complex implications of selective cultural appropriation in India's diverse political landscape.