Netaji statue vandalised in Kolkata, Anant Maharaj stripped of Bangabhushan
A day after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned against insulting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, his statue was allegedly vandalised in Kolkata’s New Alipore on Thursday. On the same day, the state government withdrew the Bangabhushan honour awarded to BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anant Maharaj following his controversial remarks about the freedom fighter.
Netaji statue’s right hand found damaged
The vandalism took place in the Bottola area of Ward 81 in New Alipore. Residents noticed that the right hand of the large Netaji statue had been broken from around the wrist, with nearly half of the hand damaged.
The incident triggered concern in the area, with local BJP leaders reaching the spot. They alleged that miscreants were responsible for damaging the statue and demanded their immediate arrest.
The identity of those responsible and the circumstances surrounding the damage remain unknown. BJP leaders said they would approach the police and inform the state party leadership about the incident.
Incident follows warning over Netaji remarks
The vandalism comes amid a controversy over alleged derogatory remarks and social media posts concerning Netaji. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had warned that those insulting Netaji or spreading misinformation about him would face legal action.
He had directed police to arrest those responsible for allegedly offensive social media posts and said that the law would apply equally to everyone.
On Thursday morning, one person was reportedly arrested in Uttar Dinajpur in connection with an alleged offensive social media post about Netaji.
Government withdraws Anant Maharaj’s Bangabhushan
Amid the controversy, the state Information and Cultural Affairs Department issued a notification on Thursday withdrawing the Bangabhushan honour awarded to BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anant Maharaj.
Anant Maharaj, one of the prominent leaders of Greater Cooch Behar, had received the Bangabhushan from then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a Language Day programme at Amar Ekushey Udyan in Deshapriya Park ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Anant Maharaj faces backlash over Netaji remarks
The decision followed controversial remarks by Anant Maharaj concerning Netaji and India’s freedom struggle.
Maharaj had questioned the widely accepted narrative surrounding India’s independence and claimed that the role of the Cooch Behar Maharaja had not received adequate recognition in history.
He also made claims about the Cooch Behar Maharaja’s alleged role in defeating Hitler and the Indian National Army, and alleged that Netaji had misused opportunities available to him.
His remarks have triggered political controversy, including differences within the BJP. The withdrawal of the state honour comes amid the government’s stated position that insulting Netaji or spreading misinformation about him would invite action.
