Bengal withdraws 'Banga Bibhushan' Award from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj amid Netaji insult allegations

The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian honour, awarded to BJP MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, following his alleged derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The decision came less than a day after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against those making derogatory comments about Netaji on social media.

Netaji remarks trigger action

Adhikari had said the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials. His directive followed remarks by Ananta Maharaj 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 BJP MP is from Cooch Behar in North Bengal and is a prominent leader of the Rajbanshi community.

Ray had received the Banga Bibhushan in February, when the Mamata Banerjee government was in power.

Government cites dignity of state honour

In a statement, the Bengal government said the Banga Bibhushan recognises a "distinguished and exemplary contribution" to the state and its people and carries considerable dignity and prestige.

The government said "certain facts and circumstances" had emerged that raised questions over whether Ray should continue to retain the honour.

"The competent authority is satisfied that the continued retention of the Bnaga Bibhushan by Nagendra Ray is inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the honour. Therefore, the government of West Bengal hereby withdraws and annuls the Banga Bibhushan conferred upon Nagendra ray on 21 February 2026 with immediate effect," the government said.

The statement did not specifically identify the particular offence that led to the withdrawal.

Award withdrawn within months

Ray's Banga Bibhushan was conferred on February 21, 2026. The award is given by the state government to recognise distinguished contributions to Bengal and its people.

The withdrawal comes amid heightened political attention over remarks concerning Netaji, who remains a revered figure in Bengal and a prominent symbol of India's freedom struggle.

The government has now annulled the award with immediate effect, ending Ray's status as a recipient of the state's highest civilian honour.