Now Reading: West Bengal revokes Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj
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West Bengal revokes Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj
The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, known as Ananta Maharaj. The move came a day after…
The Story in Brief
The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew the Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, known as Ananta Maharaj. The move came a day after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered police to take action, including arrests, against those making derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on social media.
Ananta Maharaj had received the award from former chief minister Mamata Banerjee on February 21 for his work with the Rajbanshi community. The controversy erupted after he described Netaji as a war criminal and questioned his leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj in a July 19 meeting in Dinhata. Rajbanshi organisations and Forward Bloc condemned the remarks and demanded action.
The Indian Opinion
Some see a political tit-for-tat: Mamata Banerjee honoured him in February; her successor Suvendu Adhikari now cancels it over remarks against Netaji. But honours are not immunity. Ananta Maharaj called Netaji a war criminal and questioned the Azad Hind Fauj's role, claims flatly contradicted by historical records. The state's right to withdraw an award for conduct that brings disrepute is well-established. The real test is whether the police complaint leads to a charge sheet, or this remains a symbolic punishment.
Sources (3): economictimes.indiatimes.com, indiatvnews.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
