The West Bengal government on Thursday, August 13 withdrew and canceled the ‘Bang Bibhushan’ award given to BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anant Maharaj alias Nagendra Roy, who had recently made derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
The state information and culture department issued an order in this regard on Thursday. The order stated that the “Bung Bibhushan” granted to Nagendra Roy on February 21, 2026 is withdrawn and canceled with immediate effect.
The government also made it clear that Anant Maharaj could no longer identify himself as a recipient of this honor or claim any recognition, privileges or benefits conferred by it. The authorities concerned have also been directed to remove his name from all official records and lists of Bang Bibhushan recipients.
Anant Maharaj had recently called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose a “war criminal”. He also questioned Netaji’s leadership and the role of Azad Hind Fauj in the freedom struggle. These comments created a political controversy in West Bengal. On Wednesday, the Chief Minister ordered strict action against those spreading derogatory comments, misinformation and memes about Netaji on social media. He asked the police to take strict action including arrest in such cases.
The Chief Minister also said that the law is equal for all and no MP, MLA, leader of any political party, government official or police officer will get any special concession.