The West Bengal government officially withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan—the state’s highest civilian honour—conferred upon BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray. He is popularly known as Ananta Maharaj.
The decision by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department follows widespread outrage. This outrage was over Ray’s derogatory public comments questioning the national legacy of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
“Inconsistent With Dignity and Prestige”
According to an official notification issued by the state government, facts and circumstances that emerged after the conferment made Ray’s continued retention of the award untenable.
“Upon such consideration, the competent authority is satisfied that the continued retention of the Banga Bibhushan by Shri Nagendra Ray alias Ananta Maharaj is inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the honour,” the order read.
The state government ordered the immediate removal of Ray’s name from all official records and lists of award recipients. Consequently, the MP is stripped of all privileges, recognitions, and formal representations associated with the state honor.
Controversy Over Netaji and Azad Hind Fauj Remarks
The move comes after Nagendra Ray—an influential leader of the Rajbanshi community in Cooch Behar—sparked fierce political and public backlash. In particular, this backlash resulted from his casting doubt on Netaji’s role in the Indian freedom struggle.
Ray referred to Netaji in disparaging terms. He described him as a “war criminal” and questioned the historical capability and contribution of the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj).
His statements drew sharp condemnation across party lines in Bengal, prompting demands for strict legal and administrative action.
Ray was originally awarded the Banga Bibhushan on February 21, 2026, for his social work among northern West Bengal’s Rajbanshi population.
Supreme Court Declines Direct Intervention
Earlier on the same day, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant declined a oral request by a advocate. Moreover, the advocate had sought suo moto proceedings against Ray over his remarks.
The top court directed the petitioner to file a formal writ petition. This step was suggested if they sought legal examination of the statements under hate speech laws.
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