The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, amid controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. 

The award was conferred on Ray on February 21, 2026, when the Mamata Banerjee government was in power. The state government said the honour recognises distinguished and exemplary contributions to the state and its people and carries a high degree of dignity and prestige.

Why Bengal withdrew the award

The decision came less than 24 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against people making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media.

Adhikari had also said that the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials.

The directive followed remarks by Ananta Maharaj in which he described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle.

What the Bengal government said

In its order, the state government said that “certain facts and circumstances” had emerged that raised questions over Nagendra Ray’s continued retention of the honour.

The government said the competent authority had concluded that retaining the Banga Bibhushan was inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the award.

It therefore withdrew and annulled the honour conferred upon Nagendra Ray on February 21, 2026, with immediate effect. The order did not specifically identify the particular offence behind the decision.

Who is Nagendra Ray?

Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal who hails from Cooch Behar in the northern part of the state and is a leader of the Rajbanshi community. 

The withdrawal of the state honour comes amid controversy over his remarks concerning Netaji, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle and a revered personality in Bengal.

Akali Dal chief and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on Thursday afternoon. According to sources, a Nihang Sikh attacked Mr Badal with a kirpan while he was leaving the place of worship after offering prayers.

Mr Badal sustained an injury to his hand and was taken to a private hospital in Nanded for treatment. Akali Dal sources said the injury was not life-threatening and that he received stitches.

A security personnel deployed with Mr Badal, identified as Santosh Kendre, was also injured during the incident.

Attack took place after prayers

According to a statement from the Nanded Superintendent of Police, the incident occurred at around 1:50 pm at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Deva Ji in Muga village, in the Mudkhed taluka of Nanded district.

The police said Mr Badal had completed his darshan when a Sikh sevadari attacked him with a dagger, causing the injury.

Mr Badal had visited the gurdwara with his family. His wife and Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was also present when the attack took place.

The attacker was identified as Jaspal Singh, a Nihang Sikh. Sources said he had been working at the gurdwara for around two years. He was taken into custody following the attack.

Security personnel intervened

According to sources, the attacker allegedly attempted to stab Mr Badal in the stomach. A security personnel intervened, preventing the attack from reaching its intended target.

A video recorded after the incident showed Mr Badal walking with a saffron cloth wrapped around his right hand.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke to the Nanded Superintendent of Police shortly after the incident and sought details. He also directed the police to investigate the motive behind the attack.

Sukhbir Badal faced attack in 2024

This is the second reported attack on Mr Badal in recent years. On December 4, 2024, he survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The gunman in that incident was quickly overpowered and arrested, while Mr Badal remained unharmed.

The 2024 incident occurred while Mr Badal was performing ‘sewadar’ duties after the Akal Takht had pronounced a ‘tankhah’, or religious punishment, against him and several other Akali Dal leaders over what it described as mistakes committed during the party’s rule in Punjab from 2007 to 2017.

Mr Badal has a Z-plus security cover because of a high threat perception.

The selection process for the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has reached its final stage, with interviews of 16 shortlisted candidates completed in Ayodhya.

The final round of face-to-face interviews was held at the Trust’s campus on August 11 and 12. The candidates were assessed for their management abilities, leadership potential, vision, strategic planning, personality and expertise in technology.

From 5,585 applications to 16 finalists

The recruitment process began with 5,585 applications for the CEO position. Of these, 3,877 applicants submitted detailed CVs for evaluation.

Candidates were initially assessed on their management capabilities, experience in handling large-scale events and personnel, personal excellence, language skills, vision and strategic planning.

In the second stage, around 111 candidates were invited for online interactions. Their communication skills, professional experience, leadership qualities, vision, personality and technological knowledge were evaluated.

The process eventually narrowed the field to 16 candidates for face-to-face interviews in Ayodhya. The shortlisted group included Army veterans, retired IAS and IPS officers and professionals from government and non-government services.

Search Committee to recommend three names

The three-member Search Committee will now evaluate the final candidates and forward a panel of three names to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The committee comprises Justice (Retd.) Permod Kohli, Lieutenant General (Retd.) VK Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Hawre. The Trust will make the final appointment and announce the new CEO in due course.

The committee said the selection process was designed to ensure a merit-based, transparent and comprehensive assessment for the leadership position.

What will the new CEO oversee?

The CEO will work under the direct supervision of the Trust and will be responsible for its management, administration and future development.

The role includes ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, maintaining financial transparency, coordinating security arrangements with government agencies and overseeing religious rituals and festivals.

The CEO will also be responsible for arrangements concerning devotees and distinguished guests, as well as the day-to-day functioning of the Trust within the powers delegated by it.

The CEO will be appointed on a three-year contract, which can be renewed based on satisfactory performance. The salary and other benefits will be decided through mutual discussion.