{"id":11957,"date":"2026-08-13T12:27:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=11957"},"modified":"2026-08-13T12:27:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:27:12","slug":"bengal-govt-strips-bjp-mp-ananta-maharaj-of-banga-bibhushan-award-over-insulting-remarks-against-netaji","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=11957","title":{"rendered":"Bengal govt strips BJP MP Ananta Maharaj of Banga Bibhushan award over ‘insulting’ remarks against Netaji"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The award had been conferred on Ananta Maharaj in February for his contribution to the Rajbanshi community and promotion of its language and culture.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from BJP Rajya Sabha member Ananta Maharaj over his alleged derogatory comment against Netaji.Banga Bibhushan is one of West Bengal\u2019s highest civilian honours, awarded by the state government to eminent personalities for outstanding contributions in fields such as art, culture, literature, social service and other areas. Ananta Maharaj was conferred the Banga Bibhushan on February 21, 2026, by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee<\/a> at a state government programme in Kolkata marking International Mother Language Day; which has now been revoked.The controversy erupted after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, alias Ananta Maharaj, questioned Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s role in forming and leading the Azad Hind Fauj. Speaking at a meeting in Dinhata on July 19, Roy asked, \u201cDid Netaji have the capacity to organise and form the Azad Hind Fauj?\u201d He then claimed that \u201cthey were all British soldiers\u201d and alleged that \u201cthe Indian National Army (INA) was misused.\u201dRoy also claimed that the Azad Hind Fauj originated from British-Indian troops who had been handed over by Germany. His remarks triggered a backlash in West Bengal, with political leaders and Rajbanshi organisations condemning the comments and demanding action against the BJP MP. Prominent Rajbanshi figures issued a joint statement condemning the remarks as false, insulting and damaging to social harmony. Forward Bloc, a party founded by Netaji, also lodged police complaints and demanded the immediate revocation of his Rajya Sabha membership.<\/p>\n

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