Bengal BJP softens stand on Ananta Maharaj after apology over Netaji remarks

PTI, August 14, 2026, Kolkata : BJP's West Bengal leadership on Friday appeared to take a softer stand on the party MP Nagendranath Roy, aka Ananta Maharaj, after the Rajya Sabha member issued a public apology in the wake of the growing heat he continued to face within and outside his party for his alleged derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described Roy's apology statement as a "positive development", while adding that the MP had committed an act "that was unforgivable".

That remark notwithstanding, the Cooch Behar police filed an FIR against Roy for his remarks on Netaji.

Adhikari's statement came a day after the state government withdrew and annulled Banga Bibhushan, the state's highest civilian award, previously bestowed upon Roy in the wake of his controversial remarks about the iconic freedom fighter.

Commenting on Roy's apology, Adhikari said, "I think this should be viewed positively. He has committed an unforgivable act. However, he is an elderly person and a senior citizen."

"The law will take its own course. FIRs have been filed under various sections. Police have arrested five people so far. As many as 282 social media posts with derogatory remarks about Netaji have been deleted. Those Facebook accounts have been shut down following action by the state police. A total of six FIRs have been filed," he added.

Regretting his earlier remarks about Netaji, Roy posted a 17-second video on his Facebook page at around midnight on Thursday carrying the caption, 'Video message expressing respect for Netaji'.

"With respect for Netaji, I would like to state that if anyone was emotionally hurt by any inadvertent remarks I made about Netaji, I sincerely apologise," Roy said.

Speaking in Bhabanipur on Friday, the CM said, "Considering his age, I would say that what he posted from his Facebook account should be viewed positively. He himself has said that he will be more careful with his comments in the future. That is a good thing."