West Bengal withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj

The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian award, previously conferred on BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, amid a controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The state's Information and Cultural Affairs Department issued an order on Thursday annulling the award with immediate effect.

Action follows Suvendu Adhikari’s police directive

The move came less than 24 hours after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against those making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media.


Adhikari said the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials.

The directive came days after Roy 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.

Adhikari said those making derogatory remarks about Netaji should delete their posts and apologise, but added that deleting a post would not necessarily prevent police action.

Who is Ananta Maharaj?

Roy, who hails from Cooch Behar in north Bengal, is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP and a prominent leader of the Rajbanshi community.

He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP in 2023 and is considered an influential figure among the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee conferred award in February

Roy was conferred the Banga Bibhushan by then West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on February 21, 2026, during an International Mother Language Day programme in Kolkata.

Banerjee had honoured Roy for his contribution to the socio-economic development of the Rajbanshi community.

The Banga Bibhushan is West Bengal's highest civilian honour and is given for distinguished contributions in areas including art, culture, literature, public administration and public service.

Netaji remarks trigger political row

Roy's comments about Netaji and the Azad Hind Fauj triggered criticism in the state.

Adhikari's directive to the police followed demands for action over the remarks. The chief minister said there would be no exemption based on political status, saying the law was equal for MPs, MLAs, leaders of political parties, government officials and police officers.

The government's decision to withdraw and annul the Banga Bibhushan now adds another dimension to the controversy surrounding Roy's remarks.