The West Bengal government has rescinded the Banga Bibhushan, its highest civilian honour, from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Ananta Maharaj. The decision, announced in late October 2023, came in response to remarks made by Maharaj regarding freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which the state government deemed "insulting" and "factually incorrect."

An official order issued by the West Bengal Home and Hill Affairs Department cited that Maharaj's statements about Netaji had "hurt the sentiments of lakhs of people" and were "misleading." The order specified the withdrawal was enacted under Rule 19 of the Banga Bibhushan & Banga Bhushan Awards Rules, 2012, which allows for the revocation of the award under certain circumstances. Ananta Maharaj had received the prestigious Banga Bibhushan in July 2022.

The controversy stems from Maharaj's public claims challenging the widely accepted historical account of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's disappearance. Maharaj asserted that Netaji did not perish in a plane crash in 1945, as commonly believed, but instead lived for many years afterward, reportedly travelling to Russia and later China. He further claimed that Netaji returned to India in 1968 and visited various parts of Bengal. These assertions contradict the findings of several government commissions and historical research, which largely conclude Netaji's death in the 1945 air crash.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose remains a revered figure across India, particularly in West Bengal, for his pivotal role in the independence movement. His legacy is deeply intertwined with Bengali identity and national pride, making any deviation from established narratives regarding his life and death a sensitive issue.

Ananta Maharaj, who also leads the Greater Cooch Behar People's Association (GCPA), responded to the state government's action by reiterating his claims. He maintained that he stands by his statements regarding Netaji's fate and challenged the government to conduct an investigation into his assertions. Maharaj further contended that the state government lacks the authority to "insult an entire community" by revoking his award, suggesting a political undertone to the decision. His defiance underscores the ongoing debate and varying interpretations surrounding Netaji's final years.

The revocation of the Banga Bibhushan from a sitting Member of Parliament highlights the West Bengal government's firm stance on preserving historical narratives concerning revered national figures. This event underscores the political and cultural sensitivity surrounding Netaji's legacy in the state and beyond, indicating that public discourse on such historical icons remains a significant arena for contention. The state government's action sends a clear signal regarding the parameters of acceptable public commentary on figures considered integral to regional and national identity.