New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday cited the legendary Indian novelist and poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay during a debate in Parliament.

While speaking about the cultural icon, he referred to him as "Bankim da." "Da" is a shortened version of "Dada", used as a suffix to affectionately address an elder male figure.

The Opposition took offence at this and was quick to correct the Prime Minister.

On hearing PM Modi say "Bankim da," some TMC MPs in Parliament interrupted his speech, demanding that the Prime Minister address the literary icon as "Bankim babu," which is considered a more respectful way of addressing a legendary figure in the eastern part of India, especially Bengal.

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PM Modi was quick to correct himself and said "Bankim babu" from that point

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