BJP Revokes State Honour Over Remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

On 21 February 2026, the BJP withdrew the Banga Vibhushan Samman conferred on Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Rai alias Anant Maharaj. This action has been taken for offensive remarks on Subhas Chandra Bose. The BJP government has not only taken the state honour, but has also revoked it. The Department of Information and Cultural Affairs has said in an order that some facts and circumstances that came to light after the award were made have raised questions about its retention. After considering the information on record, the competent authority has concluded that the retention of this honour was not in accordance with its dignity, prestige and purpose. The entire matter is about the comments made on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The entire matter has created a furore in the state. At the same time, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed to take action. The Supreme Court has been asked to take suo motu cognizance of the derogatory remarks in the case. On this, the bench headed by the Chief Justice said that if you want, you can file a petition in the court of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.