BJP MP Ananta Maharaj loses Banga Bibhushan after derogatory remarks on Netaji

On Thursday, the West Bengal government withdrew the prestigious Banga Bibhushan award from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj, known colloquially as Nagendra Ray. The decision came a day after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari cautioned against making derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Ray, who received the honour on February 21, 2026, faced allegations of calling Netaji a "war criminal" and questioning his role in India's independence movement.

Adhikari emphasized that the law applies equally to all, regardless of political affiliation or official status, and directed the police to take stringent action against those making such remarks. The government also instructed Ray to remove his name from official lists of Banga Bibhushan recipients and cease claiming any recognition from the award.