Bengal CM Orders Arrests for Derogatory Netaji Remarks

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that the state police will take stringent action, including arrests, against anyone making disparaging remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The Chief Minister stated that West Bengal would not tolerate such comments on its soil.

What Happened

The directive came after Nagendra Roy, also known as Ananta Maharaj, a BJP-backed Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal, referred to Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned the Azad Hind Fauj’s role in India’s independence. Roy, a leader of the Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association and influential in the Rajbanshi community, made these remarks recently. A group of BJP MLAs and ministers from north Bengal met with the Chief Minister to discuss the issue.

Key Facts

• West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered police action, including arrests, against derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• The directive was issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
• The controversy was ignited by remarks from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy (Ananta Maharaj), who called Netaji a “war criminal” and questioned his role and the Azad Hind Fauj.
• Ananta Maharaj is a leader of the Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association and influential among the Rajbanshi community.
• A delegation of BJP MLAs and ministers from north Bengal met with the Chief Minister.
• The Chief Minister stated that the law applies equally to everyone, including MLAs, MPs, leaders, government officials, and police officers.
• Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a protest on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, against the remarks.
• Earlier on Wednesday, Mr. Adhikari directed West Bengal MLAs to establish 'seva kendras' (public service centres) named after Netaji in all constituencies.
• Photographs of Netaji are to be displayed in every school in the state.
• The Chief Minister also stated that those posting derogatory messages should delete them and issue apologies.

Background

The Chief Minister emphasized that the law would be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their position, including elected officials and government personnel. He also instructed that any offensive posts must be removed with an apology. This development follows a protest by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on August 11, 2026, concerning the controversial remarks. Additionally, Chief Minister Adhikari previously directed all West Bengal MLAs to set up Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose 'seva kendras' in their constituencies and ordered the display of Netaji’s photographs in all state schools.