West Bengal withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan awarded to BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, also known as Ananta Maharaj, after controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The government order said later facts and circumstances made his continued retention of the honour inconsistent with its dignity, prestige and purpose.
Reports said Maharaj allegedly described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his role in forming or leading the Azad Hind Fauj; some accounts also said he alleged the INA had been misused or comprised British soldiers.
The order reportedly took immediate effect, and authorities were instructed to remove his name from official award records and recipient lists.
The action followed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s directive for strict police or legal action over derogatory remarks about Netaji, with some reports saying the response should apply equally to MPs, MLAs and officials.
Several reports said the earlier Mamata Banerjee government had conferred the honour on February 21, 2026, while others said it had been awarded for Maharaj’s contributions to the Rajbanshi community and its culture.
Some coverage said the row drew political and public criticism, including condemnation from Rajbanshi organisations, the Forward Bloc and figures within the BJP.
One report said Maharaj claimed his comments were based on historical documents or the national archives, while authorities also moved to bar him from claiming recipient status or related benefits.
A quick read on shared facts, changing details, and different emphasis.
Across the reporting, there is broad agreement that West Bengal revoked the Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj after controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The coverage also agrees that officials cited the honour’s dignity and instructed that his name be removed from records.
What remains less settled is the exact wording and full context of Maharaj’s remarks, which are described in different reports as comments about Netaji being a “war criminal” and as claims about the Azad Hind Fauj. Some accounts also differ on the precise background to the award and on the scope of any related police or legal action.
Swipe through the perspectives. Labels describe coverage framing, not truth or quality.
Left-leaning coverage frames the decision as West Bengal revoking a state honour from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj after his alleged derogatory comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It emphasizes that the government said retaining the award no longer fit its prestige and that the earlier government had conferred the honour for Maharaj’s contributions to the state. The account also notes Maharaj’s claim that his comments were based on historical documents, while the move followed a directive to act against insults to the national icon.
Center-oriented coverage consistently says West Bengal withdrew and annulled Maharaj’s Banga Bibhushan after controversy over remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It highlights the official reasoning that continued possession of the honour was inconsistent with its dignity, prestige and purpose, and in several reports says his name must be removed from official lists. The coverage also notes that authorities were told he could no longer claim recipient status or associated benefits, and that the decision followed instructions for strict action over derogatory comments.
Right-leaning coverage presents the episode as West Bengal withdrawing the award from BJP MP Nagendra Ray amid outrage over his remarks on Netaji. It stresses that the comments sparked political and public criticism and that the Chief Minister ordered firm action, including deletion of offending posts and possible apologies. The account also says the controversy drew criticism from within the BJP, including concern about whether the party leadership was aware of the issue.
The latest eight dated reports, from earliest to newest.
The New Indian Express
Attributed summaries from official party channels. These are claims, not independent reporting or fact checks.
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Deccan Herald reports that the West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan award previously granted to BJP MP Ananta Maharaj following his alleged derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The government stated that retaining the honor was inconsistent with its prestige after Maharaj reportedly labeled Netaji a war criminal. While Maharaj claims his comments were based on historical documents, the move follows a directive from the Chief Minister to arrest those insulting the national icon.
The New Indian Express reports that West Bengal’s BJP government withdrew the Banga Bibhushan from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, known as Ananta Maharaj. The decision followed controversy over his reported description of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a “war criminal” and came after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered action against derogatory remarks. The previous Mamata Banerjee government had conferred the honour for Ray’s contributions to the state.
ANI reports that West Bengal immediately withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan awarded to Nagendra Ray, also known as Ananta Maharaj, on February 21. The government order said later facts and circumstances made his continued possession of the honour inconsistent with its dignity, prestige and purpose. Ray may no longer identify himself as a recipient or claim associated benefits, and authorities were instructed to remove his name from official records and recipient lists.
The Times of India reports that West Bengal revoked BJP MP Ananta Maharaj’s Banga Bibhushan over allegedly derogatory comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Maharaj had questioned Netaji’s capacity to form and lead the Azad Hind Fauj and alleged that the INA was misused. Political leaders, Rajbanshi organisations and the Forward Bloc condemned the remarks. The former Mamata Banerjee government had presented Maharaj with the honour on February 21, 2026.
India Today reports that West Bengal withdrew its highest civilian honour from BJP MP Nagendranath Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, following controversial comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The government said subsequent developments made Roy’s retention of the award inconsistent with its dignity and purpose. It barred him from claiming recipient status or related benefits and ordered his removal from official lists. Mamata Banerjee had presented the award shortly before the Assembly elections.
India Blooms reports that West Bengal’s Suvendu Adhikari government stripped BJP MP Anant Maharaj of the Banga Bibhushan after his controversial comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Maharaj allegedly called Netaji a “war criminal,” questioned his leadership and challenged the Azad Hind Fauj’s role in independence. The report says protests followed and that Maharaj reiterated his position, attributing it to government documents. The former Mamata Banerjee government had honoured him for work benefiting the Rajbanshi community.
The Economic Times reports that West Bengal annulled BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy’s Banga Bibhushan amid controversy over his comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The action followed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s instruction that police take stringent action against derogatory statements, regardless of whether they came from legislators or officials. Roy reportedly described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership and the Azad Hind Fauj’s role. Mamata Banerjee had conferred the award in February.
India TV News reports that West Bengal withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan awarded to BJP MP Nagendranath Ray, alias Ananta Maharaj, following his alleged derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The order took effect immediately and prevents Maharaj from claiming recipient status, recognition, privileges or benefits. Authorities must also erase his name from relevant official lists. The decision followed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s instruction for strict, equally applied police action against offensive comments about Netaji.
The Week reports that West Bengal revoked BJP MP Nagendra Ray’s Banga Bibhushan after his comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose embarrassed the BJP. Ray questioned whether Netaji could organise the Azad Hind Fauj and claimed its members were British soldiers who had been misused. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned that police and legal action would follow insults to freedom fighters. The government notice said evidence showed Ray’s continued retention conflicted with the honour’s dignity and purpose.
Hindusthan Samachar reports that West Bengal immediately withdrew BJP MP Nagendra Ray’s Banga Bibhushan following controversial comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Ray, known as Ananta Maharaj, reportedly questioned Netaji’s role in independence, claimed he made no contribution and accused him of misusing the Indian National Army. The government ordered removal of the distinction from Ray’s official records. The action followed Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari’s warning that objectionable remarks about Netaji would not be tolerated.
News9live reports that West Bengal withdrew its highest civilian honour from BJP MP Nagendra Ray, known as Ananta Maharaj, over alleged derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The action came within 24 hours of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordering strict police action and saying MPs, legislators and officials would be treated equally. Maharaj reportedly called Netaji a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership and the Azad Hind Fauj’s contribution, provoking a political dispute.
The Daily Jagran reports that West Bengal withdrew the Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Nagendra Rai, known as Ananta Maharaj, over allegations that he disrespected Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The Information and Culture Department said circumstances emerging after the award raised questions about its continuation, and the competent authority found retention incompatible with its dignity, prestige and purpose. The decision followed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s call for firm police action against derogatory remarks about Netaji.
Republic World reports that West Bengal immediately withdrew Nagendra Ray’s Banga Bibhushan after his derogatory comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The government said subsequent circumstances made continued retention inconsistent with the award’s dignity, prestige and purpose. Ray, a BJP MP known as Ananta Maharaj, loses all associated recognition and benefits and will be removed from official lists. Mamata Banerjee’s former government had honoured him for contributions to the Rajbanshi community and its culture.
PGurus reports that West Bengal revoked BJP MP Nagendra Ray’s Banga Bibhushan as outrage grew over his alleged derogatory comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Ray’s questioning of Netaji’s legacy prompted political and public criticism in Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered strict action against derogatory remarks and sought apologies and deletion of offending posts. The controversy also generated criticism within the BJP, including concern from veteran leader Tathagata Roy about the central leadership’s awareness.