Now Reading: Bengal revokes BJP MP’s Banga Bibhushan award over Netaji remarks
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Bengal revokes BJP MP’s Banga Bibhushan award over Netaji remarks
The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian award, conferred on BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj over his controversial remarks on Netaji Subhas…
The Story in Brief
The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian award, conferred on BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj over his controversial remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A government order said the continued retention of the honour was inconsistent with its dignity and prestige, and took effect immediately.
The move came after chief minister Suvendu Adhikari directed police to act against those making derogatory comments on Netaji. Ananta Maharaj, a Rajbanshi leader from Cooch Behar, had called Netaji a 'war criminal' and questioned the Azad Hind Fauj's role. Around six FIRs were registered and one person arrested. The MP, in Delhi, stood by his remarks, saying they were based on official records, Hindustan Times reports.
The Indian Opinion
The award revocation is the easy part; the harder question is where free speech ends and offence begins when history is debated. Ananta Maharaj's remarks, however unpalatable, rest on documents he says are in national archives. The state has not cited the specific offence in its order, which invites charges of political vendetta against a BJP MP. Watch whether the government produces the evidence behind its action, or whether the Congress answers the archive question first.
Sources (2): rediff.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
