Derogatory remarks against Netaji: West Bengal government withdraws state honour from BJP MP

KOLKATA: The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, one of the state's civilian honours, from BJP MP Nagendra Ray over his alleged derogatory remarks against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The action came after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take strict action against those making defamatory or insulting remarks about Netaji, the founder of the Indian National Army (INA) and a prominent freedom fighter, on social media. He said the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials.

Nagendra Ray, an MP from Cooch Behar, had questioned Netaji's leadership and the role of the INA in India's freedom struggle. He was awarded the Banga Bibhushan by the Mamata Banerjee government in February.

In its order, the state government said allowing Nagendra Ray to continue holding the award would be inconsistent with the dignity, reputation and purpose of the honour. The government said the award was being withdrawn with immediate effect.