West Bengal Government Revokes Ananta Maharaj's Award Over Netaji Remarks

The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from Nagendra Ray, known as Ananta Maharaj, on August 13.

The Information and Cultural Affairs Department issued the order, stating the decision took effect immediately. Ananta Maharaj can no longer represent himself as a recipient or claim any privileges arising from the conferment, and his name will be deleted from official records. The award was originally conferred on February 21 this year by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The withdrawal followed widespread outrage over Ananta Maharaj's controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. At a public meeting in Siliguri on August 9, Ray described Netaji as a war criminal and questioned his leadership and the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle. He stated, "Did Netaji have the capacity to organise and form the Azad Hind Fauj? They were all British soldiers," and alleged that the Indian National Army (INA) was misused.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had warned on August 12 of strict action, including arrests, against those making derogatory comments about Netaji, asserting that the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs, political leaders, and government officials. A lawyer previously sought suo motu action against Ray in the Supreme Court, but CJI Surya Kant declined the request, with Justice Joymalya Bagchi suggesting a formal writ petition instead.

The award was given to Ananta Maharaj in recognition of his efforts towards the socio-economic development of the Rajbanshi community. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy condemned Ananta Maharaj’s comments and called for the BJP to expel him from the party.