Archive · 14 Aug 2026
West Bengal Withdraws Banga Bibhushan From BJP MP Ananta Maharaj
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a famous Indian leader who fought for India's freedom, and many people in West Bengal respect him very much.
A politician named Ananta Maharaj, who is a member of Parliament, said some unkind things about Netaji.
He called Netaji a 'war criminal' and questioned whether he could really lead an army.
This made many people in Bengal angry and caused a big controversy.
The state government gives an award called Banga Bibhushan to people who do great things for West Bengal.
It is the highest honour the state can give.
Ananta Maharaj had received this award in February of this year.
Because of his comments, the government decided to take the award back right away.
The Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, also told police to take strict action against people who say bad things about Netaji.
Maharaj said his comments were based on official documents in the national archives, so now he can no longer use or claim the award.
West Bengal's government on Thursday, August 13, withdrew and annulled Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian award, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj.
The move came less than 24 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed police to take stringent action, including arrests, over derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Maharaj had described Netaji as a 'war criminal' and questioned his leadership and the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India's freedom struggle.
The award was conferred on February 21, 2026, by then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at an International Mother Language Day ceremony in Kolkata.
Maharaj defended his remarks as officially documented facts in the national archives, while the state removed 108 social media posts, registered about six FIRs and made one arrest; the Supreme Court declined a suo moto cognisance request.
- Who
- BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, and the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
- What
- The West Bengal government withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian award, over Maharaj's remarks describing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a 'war criminal' and questioning his leadership and the Azad Hind Fauj's role.
- When
- Thursday, August 13, 2026; the award had been conferred on February 21, 2026.
- Where
- West Bengal, India; the award ceremony was held in Kolkata, and Maharaj hails from Cooch Behar.
- Why
- The government said the remarks made continued retention of the honour inconsistent with its dignity, prestige and purpose.
Government and Outraged Public
Ananta Maharaj's Defense
Nature of the Netaji remarks
Government and Outraged Public
Maharaj's comments calling Netaji a 'war criminal' and questioning his leadership and the Azad Hind Fauj's role insulted a revered freedom fighter, sparking widespread outrage and protests led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee; Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta dismissed the MP as a 'lunatic person'.
Ananta Maharaj's Defense
Maharaj said his observations were not his own words but officially documented facts in the national archives, and that it was up to the Congress, with Jawaharlal Nehru as prime minister at the time, to answer for whether those documents were true or false.
Revocation of the award
Government and Outraged Public
Withdrawing the honour upholds the dignity, prestige and purpose of the Banga Bibhushan and sends a firm message that insulting Netaji will not be tolerated, with the law applying equally to MPs, MLAs and officials.
Ananta Maharaj's Defense
The government order did not cite any specific comment or incident, and Maharaj stuck to his ground, insisting his remarks were matters of public record; CPM state secretary Md Salim called the action an 'eyewash' to protect the BJP's Rajya Sabha member and demanded harsher steps.
Original conferment of the award
Government and Outraged Public
Critics noted the award was conferred by Mamata Banerjee's government before the Assembly Election, in an apparent bid to woo the Rajbanshi community votebank in the northern districts, and the decision had already generated discussion in political circles.
Ananta Maharaj's Defense
The honour recognised Maharaj's contributions to the Rajbanshi community, its language and culture, and his efforts towards its socio-economic development; the state describes the award as given for distinguished and exemplary contribution to the state and its people.
- Award
- Banga Bibhushan, West Bengal's highest civilian award
- Recipient
- Nagendra Ray (Nagendranath Roy), aka Ananta Maharaj, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and Rajbanshi community leader from Cooch Behar
- Date of withdrawal
- Thursday, August 13, 2026, with immediate effect
- Date conferred
- February 21, 2026
- Conferred by
- Then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at an International Mother Language Day ceremony in Kolkata
- Reason
- Alleged remarks calling Netaji a 'war criminal' and questioning his leadership and the Azad Hind Fauj's role in India's freedom struggle
- Consequences
- Cannot represent himself as recipient or claim any recognition, privilege or benefit; name to be deleted from official records and lists of recipients
- Related actions
- 108 social media posts removed, about six FIRs registered and one arrest; Supreme Court declined a suo moto cognisance request; a Netaji statue found damaged in New Alipore, Kolkata
Sources
Bengal revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji
Netaji comment row: Bengal govt withdraws Banga Bibhushan award from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj
Bengal govt withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP over ‘war criminal’ remark on Netaji - Telegraph India
WB Govt Annuls Banga Bibhushan Award to BJP Rajya Sabha MP for Insulting Bose
Bengal Withdraws State Honour From BJP MP Nagendra Ray, Who Insulted Netaji
Bengal govt withdraws Banga Bibhushan conferred on BJP MP Ananta Maharaj over remarks on Subhas Bose
Ananta Maharaj stripped of state award over ‘war criminal’ remark on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose - Telegraph India
Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji
Netaji row snowballs: BJP MP Anant Maharaj stripped of Bengal’s highest civilian award
West Bengal Government Withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj Over Remarks on Netaji
