Kolkata, August 13: The West Bengal government has decided to revoke the state’s highest civilian award, the ‘Bang Vibhushan,’ previously awarded to Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Rai, also known as Anant Maharaj. This decision follows his controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Nagendra Rai was honored with the ‘Bang Vibhushan’ in February 2026 by the then Mamata Banerjee-led government for his significant contributions to the state and its people.
Kaushik Basak, the special commissioner of the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department, issued a notification regarding this decision on Thursday. While the notification does not explicitly state that the revocation is due to Rai’s recent comments about Netaji, it indicates that the government considered the seriousness of certain facts and circumstances that raised questions about the appropriateness of retaining the honor.
The notification stated that maintaining the ‘Bang Vibhushan’ would not align with the dignity, prestige, and purpose of the award. Consequently, the government has decided to withdraw and cancel the ‘Bang Vibhushan’ awarded to Nagendra Rai with immediate effect.
As a result, Rai can no longer refer to himself as a recipient of the ‘Bang Vibhushan’ and cannot claim any recognition, privileges, or benefits associated with this honor. The government has also directed the necessary actions to remove his name from official records and the list of award recipients.
Recently, Nagendra Rai sparked controversy with his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, claiming that Bose had no role in India’s independence. He also accused the great freedom fighter of misusing the Azad Hind Fauj.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that anyone making derogatory or unacceptable comments about Netaji would not be spared. He emphasized that the police would take action in such cases, regardless of political affiliations.
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, the cyber cell has been instructed to identify and take action against posts defaming Netaji on social media.
In this context, police arrested a young man from North Dinajpur district on Thursday for allegedly posting offensive content about Netaji on social media.
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