West Bengal Withdraws Banga Bibhushan From BJP MP Ananta Maharaj
The state said the honor no longer fit the award’s dignity after controversial remarks about Netaji triggered protests and political backlash.
- On Thursday, West Bengal's Information and Cultural Affairs Department annulled the Banga Bibhushan award conferred upon BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj. The order stated that 'subsequent facts and circumstances' rendered continued retention of the honour inconsistent with its dignity and prestige.
- Maharaj previously described Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a 'war criminal' and questioned the Azad Hind Fauj's leadership role in India's freedom struggle. He claimed his statements were based on officially documented records in national archives.
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed police to take stringent action against those making disparaging remarks about Netaji, asserting the law applies equally to all officials. The state government took down 108 social media posts deemed derogatory in connection with the row.
- Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led protests at Kolkata's Shyambazar against the remarks, while Adhikari directed all West Bengal MLAs to establish public service centres named after Netaji in every Assembly constituency to repair damage caused by Maharaj.
- With the award annulled, Ananta Maharaj cannot represent himself as a Banga Bibhushan recipient or claim privileges arising from the honour. Authorities have registered six FIRs across the state since Wednesday, with one arrest made in Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur district.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Netaji statue 'vandalised' in Kolkata day after Bengal CM's warning over derogatory remarks
A statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Kolkata was found vandalized. This incident occurred less than twenty-four hours after a stern warning from the Chief Minister. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the damage. Local political workers expressed anger and demanded immediate arrests of the culprits. The West Bengal government also withdrew an award from a BJP MP for his remarks.
West Bengal: BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP loses top honour over ‘derogatory’ remarks against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
West Bengal has revoked the Banga Bibhushan award from Nagendra Ray, known as Ananta Maharaj, effective immediately. The decision follows controversial comments he made about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji
The West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan, its highest civilian award, from Rajya Sabha MP Nagendranath Roy (Ananta Maharaj) following his alleged derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The annulment came after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's directive for stringent action against those making such comments, with the government citing the remarks as inconsistent with the honour's dignity and purpose.
West Bengal Govt Withdraws Banga Bibhushan Honour Conferred on BJP MP Nagendra Ray
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan honour conferred on Nagendra Ray alias Ananta Maharaj on February 21. India News | West Bengal Govt Withdraws Banga Bibhushan Honour Conferred on BJP MP Nagendra Ray.
Bengal govt withdraws Banga Bibhushan conferred on BJP MP Ananta Maharaj over remarks on Subhas Bose
The honour, conferred on Nagendra Ray on 21 February, was annulled by BJP govt in in Bengal which said Maharaj’s continued retention was inconsistent with its dignity and purpose.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
