---
title: "West Bengal Withdraws Award from BJP MP Anant Maharaj Over Netaji Remarks"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/west-bengal-revokes-award-bjp-mp-anant-maharaj-netaji-remarks-nmg1i
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-13T15:00:44.062Z
modified: 2026-08-13T18:00:07.607Z
language: en-IN
---

# West Bengal Withdraws Award from BJP MP Anant Maharaj Over Netaji Remarks

The West Bengal government has rescinded the Banga Bibhushan award given to BJP MP Anant Maharaj following his controversial statements about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The award was conferred five months prior and its withdrawal followed public outcry and a warning from the chief minister.

## Key takeaways

- The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan award from BJP MP Anant Maharaj.
- The revocation followed Maharaj's controversial remarks labeling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose a 'war criminal'.
- The award was originally given five months ago in recognition of Maharaj's work for the Rajbanshi community.

The West Bengal government announced on Thursday the revocation of the Banga Bibhushan award presented to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, widely known as Anant Maharaj. The decision to withdraw the state's highest civilian honor came after widespread condemnation of Maharaj's remarks concerning Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The award, which had been conferred upon Maharaj five months ago on February 21, was annulled by an order from the state information and cultural affairs department. This action followed a public meeting in Siliguri on August 9, where Maharaj reportedly labeled Netaji a "war criminal" and questioned the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India's independence movement.

A government order stated that the retention of the award by Nagendra Ray was deemed inconsistent with the award's dignity and purpose. Consequently, Ray is no longer entitled to represent himself as a recipient of the Banga Bibhushan, nor can he claim any associated recognition or benefit.

The award was originally presented by the previous Mamata Banerjee government to recognize Maharaj's contributions to the socio-economic development of the Rajbanshi community. Maharaj, a prominent Rajbanshi leader from north Bengal, had previously been a vocal critic of electoral roll revisions he believed would disenfranchise the community.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy described Maharaj's comments as condemnable and called for his expulsion from the BJP. Roy also suggested that the BJP's stance on Netaji reflected a lack of understanding of national sentiment related to the freedom fighter.

## Key Facts

- The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from BJP MP Anant Maharaj on Thursday.
- The award was originally conferred five months prior, on February 21.
- The revocation followed controversial remarks made by Maharaj about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at a public meeting in Siliguri on August 9.
- Maharaj reportedly referred to Netaji as a "war criminal" and questioned the Azad Hind Fauj's role in India's freedom struggle.
- A senior official from the state information and cultural affairs department confirmed the withdrawal order.
- The decision was made after widespread public outrage and a warning of strict action from the chief minister.
- The award was conferred by the previous Mamata Banerjee government in recognition of Maharaj's work for the socio-economic development of the Rajbanshi community.
- Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy condemned Maharaj's remarks and called for his expulsion from the BJP.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/west-bengal-revokes-award-bjp-mp-anant-maharaj-netaji-remarks-nmg1i
Reported from: Multiple Sources