Bengal Withdraws State Award From BJP MP Ananta Maharaj Over Netaji Remarks

The West Bengal government on Thursday, August 13, 2026, withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj.

The award was conferred in February by the Trinamool Congress government. The decision followed widespread outrage over Maharaj's alleged derogatory remarks against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Maharaj had reportedly described Netaji as a war criminal at a public meeting in Siliguri on August 9 and questioned his role in India's freedom struggle. He later released a video statement expressing regret if his unintentional comments had hurt anyone emotionally.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the law is equal for all and that Maharaj, as a senior citizen, had withdrawn his comments, which he considered a positive step. Protests were organized across the state, with supporters of the Congress and CPI(M) blaming the BJP for the remarks. Bengal Minister Swapan Dasgupta called Maharaj a lunatic person. The BJP has previously sought to claim Netaji's legacy in West Bengal.