Bengal government withdraws Banga Bibhusan to BJP MP Nagendra Roy

Amidst the controversy raging over making derogatory remarks at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the West Bengal government on Thursday (August 13, 2026) withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award conferred to Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy alias Ananta Maharaj, who allegedly made the comments.

Mr. Roy was conferred the award in February this year by the Trinamool Congress government. A leader from Cooch Behar, he was nominated to the Upper House from West Bengal in July 2023 as a candidate backed by the BJP.

A few days ago, the self-styled leader who is associated with regional Greater Coochbehar People Movement had called Netaji a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership and raised doubts over the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle.

The order issued by the State’s Information and Cultural Affairs department stated that “subsequent to the conferment of the honour, certain facts and circumstances which have arisen/subsequently come to the notice of the Government…. to raise a question as to the continued retention of the aforesaid honour by Shri Nagendra Ray alias Ananta Maharaj and as to whether such continued retention is consistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the honour”.

The order stated that the competent authority is satisfied that the continued retention of the Banga Bibhushan by Ananta Maharaj is inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the honour and added that consequently, he “shall cease to be entitled to represent himself as a recipient of the Banga Bibhushan”.

After the remarks gave a handle to the Opposition to target the BJP government, the West Bengal government started damage control. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also held protests against derogatory remarks at Netaji. Political observers say that both the BJP and the Trinamool tried to placate Nagendra Roy for the vote bank he brings along. 

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) directed the police to take action against such remarks. “We will not allow this (remarks against Netaji) to be made from the soil of West Bengal. The police will take appropriate and strong action,” the Chief Minister said. One person was arrested in connection with posting derogatory messages on social media. Meanwhile, speaking to media persons in Delhi, Mr. Roy said that his remarks were based on official records.