NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from BJP Rajya Sabha member Ananta Maharaj over his alleged derogatory comment against Netaji.Banga Bibhushan is one of West Bengal’s highest civilian honours, awarded by the state government to eminent personalities for outstanding contributions in fields such as art, culture, literature, social service and other areas. Ananta Maharaj was conferred the Banga Bibhushan on February 21 this year, by then-West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at a state government programme in Kolkata marking International Mother Language Day; which has now been revoked.The controversy erupted after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, alias Ananta Maharaj, questioned Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s role in forming and leading the Azad Hind Fauj. Speaking at a meeting in Dinhata on July 19, Roy asked, “Did Netaji have the capacity to organise and form the Azad Hind Fauj?” He then claimed that “they were all British soldiers” and alleged that “the Indian National Army (INA) was misused.”Roy also claimed that the Azad Hind Fauj originated from British-Indian troops who had been handed over by Germany. His remarks triggered a backlash in West Bengal, with political leaders and Rajbanshi organisations condemning the comments and demanding action against the BJP MP. Prominent Rajbanshi figures issued a joint statement condemning the remarks as false, insulting and damaging to social harmony. Forward Bloc, a party founded by Netaji, also lodged police complaints and demanded the immediate revocation of his Rajya Sabha membership.
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The controversy also drew criticism from within the BJP, with veteran party leader Tathagata Roy urging the central leadership to intervene.The remarks have since escalated into a wider political row, with former CM Banerjee accusing the BJP of insulting Netaji and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warning that anyone making derogatory remarks about the freedom fighter would face action under the law.
