BJP MP apologises for Netaji remarks after award withdrawn

Nagendra Roy, a Rajya Sabha MP known as Ananta Maharaj, issued a public apology on Friday, August 14, 2026, for his recent controversial remarks about Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The apology came a day after the West Bengal government withdrew the state's highest civilian award from him and initiated police action against individuals making derogatory comments about the national icon on social media.

Roy, who was elected to the upper house of Parliament with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party, stated in a video message that he was expressing his deepest regret if his unwarranted comments had hurt anyone. He said he was speaking out of respect for Netaji. The remarks that sparked the controversy were made earlier in August, when Roy allegedly called Netaji a war criminal, questioned his leadership, and cast doubt on the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India's freedom struggle.

In response to the widespread outrage, the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, took swift administrative action. On Thursday, August 13, the state's Information and Cultural Affairs Department issued an order withdrawing and annulling the Banga...