BJP-nominated MP Ananta Maharaj apologises for Netaji remarks amid FIRs

Nagendra Roy, a Rajya Sabha MP nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Friday apologised for his remarks against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, hours after West Bengal police registered FIRs against individuals for insulting the freedom fighter on social media.

In a video statement, Roy, also known as Ananta Maharaj, said: “I am saying this by expressing my respect towards Netaji, that if anyone has been hurt by my unwarranted comments against Netaji then I am expressing my deepest regret for the same.”

The apology came a day after the West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhusan, the state’s highest civilian award, which had been conferred on him by the previous Trinamool Congress government in February. The government also began arresting people for making and sharing derogatory posts about Netaji.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvenduy Adhikari told the media that six FIRs had been registered and five people arrested. He expressed satisfaction over Roy’s apology, noting that Roy is a senior citizen. “He is a senior citizen and has withdrawn his comments. I take it as a positive step, but I must reiterate that he made an inappropriate comment,” Mr. Adhikari said.

The Chief Minister also said that the award had been given by the previous government and his administration had cancelled it. He added that 282 social media posts were taken down in connection with the incidents.

Protests were held in different parts of West Bengal over the perceived disrespect to Netaji. Supporters of the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) brought out rallies, blaming the BJP for the derogatory remarks.

Senior BJP leader and former Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy defended the party, saying it was not correct to blame the BJP for the controversy. He remarked that in a big party there might be a few “rotten apples”.

Nagendra Roy, a leader of the Greater Cooch Behar Movement, was elected to the Rajya Sabha with the support of BJP MLAs in 2023. A few days ago, he had called Netaji a “war criminal”, questioned his leadership, and raised doubts about the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle. Those remarks had triggered widespread outrage, forcing the party and government to undertake damage control.

The current developments reflect the continuing political sensitivity over the legacy of Netaji, particularly in West Bengal, where he remains a revered figure. The state government’s swift action, including the withdrawal of the award and the filing of criminal cases, underscores its commitment to preserving the dignity of historical icons. Political observers note that the issue has become a flashpoint in the state’s charged political atmosphere, with the BJP accusing the government of using the controversy for electoral gains, while the ruling party maintains that it is acting to uphold respect for national heroes.

As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on how the authorities balance freedom of expression with the need to prevent hateful or disrespectful content, a challenge that has increasingly come to the fore in the digital age.