# West Bengal strips BJP MP of Banga Bibhushan award

2026-08-13T19:53:36+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, known as Ananta Maharaj, with immediate effect. The order on August 13 said retaining the honour was inconsistent with its dignity and purpose. Roy, a BJP-backed MP from Cooch Behar, had sparked outrage by calling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose a 'war criminal' and questioning the Azad Hind Fauj's role. The award was given in February by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed police action, and FIRs have been filed. Roy defends his remarks as based on official records.

## Coverage

- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/india/west-bengal-bjp-s-rajya-sabha-mp-loses-top-honour-over-derogatory-remarks-against-netaji-subhas-chandra-bose-11786630467667.html>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/bengal-govt-strips-bjp-mp-ananta-maharaj-of-banga-bibhushan-award-over-derogatory-remarks-against-netaji-article-155608713>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/bengal-government-withdraws-banga-bibhusan-to-bjp-mp-nagendra-roy/article71341237.ece>

Tags: Ananta Maharaj, Banga Bibhushan, BJP, controversy, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, West Bengal
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/west-bengal-strips-bjp-mp-ananta-maharaj-of-banga-bibhushan/
License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources.
Cite: https://indianopinion.org/west-bengal-strips-bjp-mp-ananta-maharaj-of-banga-bibhushan/#story-in-brief

Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.