# BJP MP Ananta Maharaj apologises for calling Netaji ‘war criminal’

2026-08-14T08:54:02+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy alias Ananta Maharaj apologised on August 14 for calling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose a “war criminal” and questioning the Azad Hind Fauj’s role in the freedom struggle. The apology came after West Bengal police registered six FIRs and arrested five people over derogatory social media posts about Netaji. The state government had withdrawn the Banga Bibhusan civilian honour conferred on the BJP-backed MP earlier this year. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 282 posts were taken down and warned against insulting national icons. BJP leader Tathagata Roy described Maharaj as a “rotten apple” in a big party. Maharaj, a leader of the Greater Cooch Behar Movement, claimed he spoke based on official records. Separate incidents of a Netaji statue vandalism in Kolkata and a street renamed for Syama Prasad Mookerjee have escalated the controversy.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/controversy-over-derogatory-remarks-directed-at-netaji-in-bengal-explained/article71344651.ece>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/bjp-mp-issues-apology-for-remarks-at-netaji-after-firs-registered-by-bengal-police/article71345020.ece>

Tags: Ananta Maharaj, Banga Bibhusan, Bengal politics, BJP, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, West Bengal government
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