West Bengal Withdraws Banga Bibhushan From BJP MP Ananta Maharaj Over Netaji Remarks

Ananta Maharaj Banga Bibhushan award has been withdrawn by the West Bengal government following controversy over alleged derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The state government issued a notification from Nabanna on Thursday, announcing that BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, would no longer be entitled to use the title of Banga Bibhushan.

Ananta Maharaj had received the prestigious state honour on February 21, 2026, when Mamata Banerjee was the Chief Minister. The award was presented in recognition of his alleged distinguished contribution to the state and its people.

However, the state government has now decided to revoke the honour, citing concerns over whether his subsequent conduct remained compatible with the dignity and prestige associated with the award.

Why Was the Banga Bibhushan Award Withdrawn?

The government notification did not specifically mention the controversial remarks about Netaji as the reason for withdrawing the award. However, the decision comes amid a major controversy over comments attributed to Ananta Maharaj concerning Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his role in India's freedom struggle.

According to the allegations, Ananta Maharaj claimed that Netaji had no role in India's independence and also accused him of misusing the Indian National Army, or Azad Hind Fauj.

The remarks triggered criticism and renewed political debate in West Bengal, where Netaji remains one of the most revered figures of the freedom movement.

The state government subsequently announced that it would take a strict approach against attempts to allegedly insult or defame Netaji, irrespective of political affiliation.

Government Says Ananta Maharaj Can No Longer Use the Honour

The notification issued by Nabanna stated that the Banga Bibhushan had originally been conferred upon Ananta Maharaj in recognition of his contribution to the state and its people.

However, after considering information that subsequently came to the government's attention, authorities concluded that retaining the honour was not compatible with the dignity and prestige associated with the award.

As a result, the government ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Banga Bibhushan.

The authorities have also been directed to remove Ananta Maharaj's name from the relevant list of award recipients. He will no longer be entitled to identify himself as a recipient of the Banga Bibhushan or enjoy any benefits associated with the honour.

Netaji Remarks Trigger Political Controversy

The controversy surrounding Ananta Maharaj intensified following his alleged comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The BJP MP's reported remarks questioning Netaji's contribution to India's independence and his role in the Azad Hind Fauj drew sharp criticism.

The issue became particularly significant because it came at a time when the West Bengal government had announced a zero-tolerance approach towards what it described as attempts to dishonour Netaji.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had said that action would be taken against individuals making objectionable remarks about Netaji without considering their political affiliations.

The administration also instructed the cyber cell to identify social media posts allegedly insulting Netaji.

Police Action Over Alleged Social Media Posts

Following the government's announcement, police action was also reported in North Dinajpur.

A young man was arrested on Thursday over an alleged objectionable social media post concerning Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The developments led to questions over whether the government's stated policy would also apply to political leaders belonging to the BJP.

The Chief Minister had maintained that the law would apply equally to everyone and that political affiliation would not determine whether action was taken.

The withdrawal of the Ananta Maharaj Banga

Bibhushan award came a day after those remarks, giving the decision additional political significance.

Minister Agnimitra Pal Reacts

Reacting to the controversy, state minister Agnimitra Pal criticised the alleged remarks concerning Netaji.

She said that attempting to gain public support by insulting Netaji would be deeply unfortunate and stressed that an insult to Netaji would be viewed as an insult to the people of Bengal.

The minister also argued that the issue should not be turned into a political contest.

What Happens to Ananta Maharaj Now?

With the state government's latest decision, Ananta Maharaj will no longer be recognised as a Banga Bibhushan recipient.

His name is to be removed from the official list of awardees, and he will not receive any benefits associated with the state honour.

The decision has also placed renewed focus on the criteria and standards governing prestigious state awards and whether honours can be withdrawn when an awardee's subsequent conduct is considered inconsistent with the dignity of the award.

Political Significance of the Decision

The withdrawal of the award is likely to remain a significant political issue in West Bengal. Ananta Maharaj is a prominent BJP leader and represents the Cooch Behar region in Parliament.

The development also comes amid a wider political debate over the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his place in India's freedom movement.

For the West Bengal government, the decision reinforces its stated position that Netaji's legacy and reputation must be protected. For the BJP, the move could become another point of political contention between the ruling establishment and the opposition.
The Ananta Maharaj Banga Bibhushan controversy therefore combines questions of political speech, state honours and the public legacy of one of India's most prominent freedom fighters.

The West Bengal government's decision to withdraw the Ananta Maharaj Banga Bibhushan marks a significant development following the controversy over remarks attributed to the BJP MP about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Although the official notification does not directly cite the Netaji controversy, it says that subsequent developments raised serious questions about whether Ananta Maharaj's continued possession of the honour was consistent with its dignity and prestige.

With his name now ordered to be removed from the list of recipients, Ananta Maharaj can no longer officially identify himself as a Banga Bibhushan awardee.