The move comes a day after West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari directed the state police to take stringent action against people making derogatory comments about Netaji on social media, saying the law would apply equally to everyone, be it MLAs, MPs or government officials.
Maharaj had described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership and the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle. “The said honour is conferred in recognition of distinguished and exemplary contribution to the state and its people and carries with it a high degree of dignity and prestige… subsequent to the conferment of the honour, certain facts and circumstances which have arisen/subsequently come to the notice of the government are considered to be of such nature and seriousness as to raise a question as to the continued retention of the aforesaid honour by Nagendra Ray alias Ananta Maharaj,” the government notification read.
“Following consideration, the competent authority is satisfied that the continued retention of the Banga Bibhushan by Maharaj is inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the honour,” the notification further read.
The ‘Banga Bibhushan’ award was conferred upon Maharaj by the previous Trinamool Congress government. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said that if any MP or MLA is involved in such an act, there is a party’s central parliamentary board which is looking into the matter and will take necessary action.
