The West Bengal authorities on Wednesday withdrew the Banga Bibhushan conferred on BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendranath Roy, popularly often called Ananta Maharaj, following his controversial remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The choice got here amid a wider crackdown introduced by the state authorities towards what it described as derogatory feedback and misinformation concentrating on the liberty fighter, one of the vital iconic figures of India’s wrestle for independence from the British Raj.
Roy had received the state’s highest civilian honour from the then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on February 21, 2026, shortly earlier than the Meeting elections.
The award had drawn political consideration as a result of Roy is a BJP MP and an influential Rajbanshi chief from North Bengal.
In an official order, the federal government mentioned the honour was awarded in recognition of “distinguished and exemplary contribution to the State and its folks” and carried “a excessive diploma of dignity and status”.
It acknowledged that subsequent developments and materials positioned earlier than the competent authority raised critical issues over Roy’s continued retention of the honour.
The order concluded that his continued retention of the award was “inconsistent with the dignity, status and goal of the honour” and introduced that the Banga Bibhushan conferred on him was being withdrawn “with instant impact”.
The federal government additional directed that Roy would not be entitled to symbolize himself as a recipient of the award and instructed all departments to take away his title from official information of Banga Bibhushan awardees.
The controversy erupted after Roy described Netaji as a “warfare prison”, questioned his management and forged doubt on the contribution of the Azad Hind Fauj to India’s freedom wrestle.
The remarks triggered robust political reactions throughout West Bengal, with even state BJP leaders distancing themselves from his feedback and calling them private views.
Talking on the state secretariat Nabanna, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari mentioned strict authorized motion could be taken towards these spreading misinformation and insulting Netaji on social media.
“Stringent motion will probably be taken towards those that have unfold misinformation and made memes about Netaji. They are going to be arrested,” information company PTI quotes the CM as saying.
Requested whether or not motion could be taken towards Ananta Maharaj, Adhikari mentioned, “I cannot title anybody, however the legislation is equal for MLAs, MPs, leaders of any occasion, authorities officers, or law enforcement officials”.
He urged individuals who had posted objectionable content material to take away it and apologise, however warned that deletion alone wouldn’t essentially forestall authorized proceedings.
“Those that have proven such audacity ought to know that this isn’t acceptable to us,” he mentioned.
The chief minister mentioned the cyber cell had been instructed to start proceedings towards these answerable for such posts and added, “On the soil of West Bengal, I cannot permit Netaji to be insulted”. He additionally mentioned the federal government was in contact with Meta concerning the matter.
– Ends
With PTI inputs
