West Bengal Government Withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj Over Remarks on Netaji

Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan honour conferred on Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, a Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP, following his recent derogatory comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department issued an order stating that certain facts and circumstances that emerged after the award was given raised serious questions about its continued retention. The competent authority concluded that allowing Ray to keep the honour was “inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose” of the award. The withdrawal takes effect immediately. Ray is no longer entitled to represent himself as a recipient or claim any associated recognition, privilege or benefit. Authorities have also been directed to remove his name from official lists of Banga Bibhushan recipients.

The Banga Bibhushan, one of West Bengal’s highest civilian honours, was conferred on Ananta Maharaj on February 21, 2026, by the then Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee during an International Mother Language Day event in Kolkata. It recognised his contributions to the Rajbanshi community and the propagation of its language and culture. Ray, a prominent Rajbanshi leader from Cooch Behar in north Bengal who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP in 2023, has significant influence among the community in the region.

The decision comes amid controversy over Ray’s remarks in which he described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle. The comments triggered widespread criticism. The move followed a directive by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari instructing police to take stringent action, including possible arrests, against those making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media, with the law applying equally to MPs, MLAs and officials.