BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj has issued a public apology after making controversial and disparaging remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The apology comes a day after the West Bengal government revoked the prestigious ‘Bangabhushan’ award that had been conferred upon him earlier this year.
Nagendra Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj and a self-styled ‘Maharaj’ of Cooch Behar, released a video message on Facebook expressing regret over his statements. “I am sincerely sorry if anyone was hurt by some of my inadvertent remarks regarding Netaji,” he said, in what appeared to be a hurried attempt to contain the growing backlash.
The controversy had been intensifying over the past few days, as Ananta was reportedly heard making repeated contentious remarks about both Netaji and his own party. Leaders and ministers from North Bengal subsequently approached the Chief Minister with complaints, urging action against him. Acting on these developments, the state government withdrew the Bangabhushan honour on Thursday.
Addressing the issue last Wednesday, the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari took a firm stand, warning of strict consequences for any disrespect shown towards Netaji. He stated that no individual—regardless of position—would be spared. “Be it a minister, an official, or an MP, I have instructed the police to arrest them,” he declared.
Following this directive, the Cooch Behar district police arrested two close associates of Ananta, who is also linked to the ‘Greater’ movement, on charges of making derogatory remarks about Netaji.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further after the BJP alleged vandalism of a Netaji statue in Ward No. 81 of New Alipore in Kolkata. According to party sources, miscreants broke the statue’s right arm under the cover of darkness on Wednesday night. The incident occurred on the same day the Chief Minister reiterated her zero-tolerance stance on any form of disrespect towards the iconic freedom fighter.
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