What happened: West Bengal withdraws Nagendra Roy’s Banga Bibhushan award
The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award granted to Nagendra Roy (alias Ananta Maharaj), a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from West Bengal.
The government acted after controversy over alleged derogatory remarks connected to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army, INA). The allegations included claims that Nagendra Roy called Bose a “war criminal”, questioned Bose’s leadership, and raised doubts about the Azad Hind Fauj’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
The controversy also involved Nagendra Roy’s association with the Greater Coochbehar People’s Movement.
Background and earlier position: timeline of nomination and award
Nagendra Roy’s Rajya Sabha nomination was reported to be in July 2023, as a BJP-backed candidate from West Bengal.
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