The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian honour, from BJP MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, following his controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Ray had received the award in February when the Mamata Banerjee government was in power. The decision comes amid a political controversy over comments questioning Netaji's role in India's freedom struggle. The state government's action followed remarks attributed to Ananta Maharaj in which he described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in the country's independence movement.
Netaji remains a deeply revered figure in West Bengal, and comments about his legacy have frequently triggered strong political and public reactions in the state. The withdrawal of the award came less than 24 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action against people making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media. Adhikari said the law should apply equally to everyone, including MPs, MLAs and government officials, signalling that the administration would not make exceptions based on political position or public office.
The chief minister's directive was issued days after the remarks attributed to Ananta Maharaj became a subject of controversy. The government has maintained that statements considered derogatory towards Netaji cannot be treated differently because they were made by an elected representative. The withdrawal of the Banga Bibhushan represents a further escalation in the government's response to the controversy. Ananta Maharaj is a BJP MP from West Bengal and comes from Cooch Behar in the northern part of the state.
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He is also a prominent leader of the Rajbanshi community, which has a significant presence in northern Bengal. His political influence in the region has made his comments particularly significant in the state's political landscape. The Banga Bibhushan is the highest civilian award conferred by the West Bengal government and is given to individuals for distinguished contributions in various fields. Ananta Maharaj's award was conferred earlier this year under the previous state administration.
Its withdrawal now places the controversy over his remarks at the centre of a wider political dispute over how Netaji's legacy should be treated in public discourse. The latest development is expected to intensify the political debate in West Bengal, with the BJP MP's comments and the government's response drawing attention across the state. While the government has acted against the award, any legal action over the remarks will depend on the police investigation and applicable law. The controversy has once again highlighted the political and emotional significance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Bengal.
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