West Bengal revokes Banga Bibhushan award from BJP MP

The West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, previously awarded to Rajya Sabha MP Nagendranath Roy, also known as Ananta Maharaj. The decision follows controversial remarks made by Roy regarding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Roy, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), allegedly described Bose as a “war criminal” and questioned the leadership and legitimacy of the Azad Hind Fauj. He claimed the army was a unit of British-Indian soldiers provided by Germany and suggested that Bose “misused the INA.”

The state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department stated that the revocation was necessary to maintain the dignity, prestige, and purpose of the award. The annulment is effective immediately, and Roy is no longer permitted to claim the title of recipient or enjoy any associated privileges.

In a related development, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a plea for suo moto action against Roy regarding the defamatory remarks. Meanwhile, state authorities have taken action against various social media posts concerning the controversy, resulting in several FIRs and at least one arrest.