Archive · 15 Aug 2026
BJP MP Ananta Maharaj Regrets Anti-Netaji Remarks After Losing Award
Nagendra Roy is a politician in India who helps make laws in a big meeting called the Rajya Sabha.
People also call him Ananta Maharaj.
He said some unkind things about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a famous hero who fought for India's freedom.
Many people were upset by his words.
The West Bengal government took away a very important award, the Banga Bibhushan, that he had received.
The very next day, Mr Roy said sorry in a short video on social media.
He said he was extremely sorry if his words had hurt anyone's feelings.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the apology should be seen positively, but the police would keep taking action.
The police registered six FIRs, arrested five people, and removed 282 posts on social media.
Mr Roy still has a case against him, filed after a worker from the Forward Bloc party complained.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, expressed regret over his derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in a video message.
The apology came a day after he lost the Banga Bibhushan award, West Bengal's highest civilian honour.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari called the apology a positive sign but said police action would continue.
Police registered six FIRs, arrested five of Roy's followers — most from Coochbehar — and deleted 282 social media posts over the issue.
Roy still faces a case registered after a complaint by Forward Bloc worker Gopal Dey on August 7.
- Who
- BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy (Ananta Maharaj), with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the West Bengal police responding to the controversy.
- What
- Roy regretted his derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose after losing the Banga Bibhushan award, while police registered six FIRs, arrested five followers, and deleted 282 social media posts.
- When
- Roy issued the video apology early Friday, a day after the award was withdrawn; the complaint against him was filed on August 7.
- Where
- Kolkata, where the video message was reported; most arrests were in Coochbehar district, with one arrest in North Dinajpur.
- Why
- To control the damage from remarks about Netaji that sparked public backlash, a social media trend, and demands for legal action.
MP's Supporters
Critics and Legal Pursuers
Sincerity of Apology
MP's Supporters
Roy expressed regret and assured he would be alert next time; Suvendu Adhikari said the apology must be seen positively as a good sign.
Critics and Legal Pursuers
The apology was conditional ("if anyone's feelings have been hurt") and came only after the award was revoked and legal cases were filed, suggesting damage control.
Legal Consequences
MP's Supporters
Roy's regret was welcomed as a positive step, with the chief minister indicating the episode could be seen in a positive light.
Critics and Legal Pursuers
A case against Roy remains despite the apology, with Adhikari saying law will take its own course and the Forward Bloc demanding Roy's arrest and cancellation of his Rajya Sabha membership.
- Award lost
- Banga Bibhushan, West Bengal government's highest civilian honour
- Video apology
- 17-second video message shared on social media
- FIRs registered
- 6
- Arrests
- 5 of Roy's followers, most from Coochbehar
- Social media posts deleted
- 282
- Complaint
- Filed by Forward Bloc worker Gopal Dey on August 7
- MP's background
- Rajbanshi community leader from Cooch Behar
