Kolkata: The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, popularly known as Anant Maharaj, following his controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj.
The decision marks a sharp escalation in the row over remarks concerning Netaji, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari making it clear that disparaging statements against the freedom fighter would not be tolerated, irrespective of the speaker’s political position. The government had already ordered strict action against people making objectionable remarks about Netaji.
Honour awarded by Mamata Banerjee in February
Anant Maharaj was conferred the Banga Bibhushan on February 21, 2026, by then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a government programme in Kolkata marking International Mother Language Day.
The award recognised his contribution to the Rajbanshi community. His selection had itself attracted considerable political attention as Maharaj was a BJP Rajya Sabha MP and a prominent Rajbanshi leader from North Bengal.
The honour had also been viewed in political circles as part of the Trinamool Congress’s outreach to the influential Rajbanshi community in North Bengal.
A highly condemnable statement.
BJP MP Ananta Maharaj has once again insulted 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝗲! pic.twitter.com/XONJZps0dY
— 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘢🐦 (@angshuman786) August 10, 2026
Netaji remarks trigger backlash
The controversy erupted after Maharaj made remarks questioning Netaji’s role in the freedom movement and the formation and functioning of the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj). His comments, including references to Netaji as a “war criminal”, triggered widespread criticism and protests.
According to reports, Maharaj later reiterated his position, claiming that his comments were based on documents available with the Government of India.
The controversy intensified after the Adhikari government announced a tough line against remarks considered derogatory towards Netaji. The Chief Minister said action would be taken regardless of whether the person involved was an MP, MLA or government official.
Award withdrawal adds new political dimension
The withdrawal of the Banga Bibhushan now adds another layer to the politically charged controversy. The award had originally been presented by the previous Trinamool Congress government, making its cancellation by the present administration particularly significant.
The decision also highlights the changing political context surrounding Anant Maharaj. Although he received the state’s highest civilian honour from Mamata Banerjee in February, he was subsequently seen alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign, reinforcing his continuing association with the BJP.
From state honour to political flashpoint
Anant Maharaj’s Banga Bibhushan episode has therefore come full circle—from a high-profile state honour presented by Mamata Banerjee to its withdrawal by the BJP-led government months later.
The latest action is likely to intensify the political debate over Netaji’s legacy, freedom-movement history and the limits of political speech in Bengal, while keeping Anant Maharaj at the centre of a fresh political controversy in the state.
