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

General8 sourcesAug 14, 2026
FlatRigor 548 sources

The Story

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 Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the law is equal for all and that Maharaj, as a senior citizen, had withdrawn his comments, which he considered a positive step.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.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj.
  • The award withdrawal followed alleged derogatory remarks made by Maharaj about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
  • An FIR has been registered against Ananta Maharaj.
  • Ananta Maharaj issued an apology video statement.

Where they split

  • The Hindustan Times and The Hindu report the FIR was registered on August 14, while Article 1 states a complaint was lodged on August 7 and the FIR was registered based on that complaint.
  • The Hindu and India Today mention that the Trinamool Congress government conferred the award in February, while other articles do not specify which government conferred the award.
  • India Today and News18 mention that other BJP leaders have criticized Maharaj's statement, with India Today quoting Bengal Minister Swapan Dasgupta calling him a "lunatic person."

Source Perspectives

Left1 source
Center6 sources
Right1 source