West Bengal Withdraws Award to BJP MP Nagendra Roy Over Netaji Remarks
The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy after he allegedly made derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The decision came amid controversy and protests against the remarks.
Key takeaways
- West Bengal has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan award from BJP MP Nagendra Roy.
- The award was revoked following alleged derogatory comments made by the MP about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
- The state government cited that the continued retention of the honor was inconsistent with its dignity and purpose.
The government of West Bengal has rescinded the Banga Bibhushan award previously given to Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, also known as Ananta Maharaj. The action follows Roy's alleged comments characterizing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a "war criminal" and questioning the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India's independence struggle.
What Happened
The state's Information and Cultural Affairs department issued an order on Thursday, August 13, 2026, stating that circumstances arising after the award was conferred raised questions about Roy's continued eligibility for the honor. The order concluded that his retention of the Banga Bibhushan was inconsistent with the award's dignity, prestige, and purpose. Consequently, Roy will no longer be recognized as a recipient of the award.
Roy, a political figure from Cooch Behar associated with the Greater Coochbehar People Movement, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal in July 2023 as a candidate supported by the BJP. The controversy ignited after his remarks about Netaji led to widespread criticism and protests, including by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had directed police action on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, stating that such remarks would not be tolerated. One individual was arrested in connection with derogatory social media posts related to the issue.
Speaking from Delhi, Mr. Roy asserted that his statements were based on official records.
Key Facts
- The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy alias Ananta Maharaj on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
- The withdrawal was due to alleged derogatory remarks made by Mr. Roy regarding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Mr. Roy was conferred the award in February 2026 by the Trinamool Congress government.
- He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal in July 2023 as a BJP-backed candidate and is associated with the Greater Coochbehar People Movement.
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered police action against such remarks on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
- One person was arrested for posting derogatory messages on social media.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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