FIR against BJP's Nagendra Ray over derogatory remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Synopsis
A BJP Rajya Sabha MP's remarks dismissing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's role in India's independence have cost him his state honour and triggered a criminal case — all within 24 hours. The swift dual action by the West Bengal government, just a day before Independence Day, underscores how politically explosive any slight against Netaji remains in Bengal.
Key Takeaways
Cooch Behar District Police registered an FIR against BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray alias Ananta Maharaj on 14 August over derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose .
The complaint was filed by a resident of Ward No.
10, Cooch Behar Municipality on 7 August .
The West Bengal government revoked Ray's 'Banga Vibhushan' award — conferred in February — on Thursday , a day before the FIR.
Ray had allegedly claimed Netaji had no role in India's freedom struggle and accused him of misusing the Azad Hind Fauj .
Ray posted a 17-second video apology on social media, but legal proceedings were initiated regardless.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had warned that no one would be spared for derogatory remarks about Netaji, regardless of political affiliation.
Cooch Behar District Police in West Bengal on Friday, 14 August, registered an FIR against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member Nagendra Ray, also known as Ananta Maharaj, over reportedly derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The case was filed on the basis of a complaint lodged by a resident of Cooch Behar district, according to police.
How the FIR Was Registered
Cooch Behar District Superintendent of Police Manish Joshi confirmed that on 7 August, a resident of Ward No. 10 of Cooch Behar Municipality had filed a formal complaint against Ray over his comments on Netaji. The FIR was registered within 24 hours of the West Bengal government's decision, announced on Thursday, to withdraw and annul the 'Banga Vibhushan' award that had been conferred upon Ray in February this year.
What Ray Allegedly Said
Ray's remarks triggered a sharp political backlash after he reportedly claimed that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had no role in India's freedom struggle and accused the iconic independence leader of misusing the Azad Hind Fauj. The comments, made recently, drew widespread condemnation across party lines in a state where Netaji commands deep reverence.
Government and Police Response
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated publicly that no one would be spared for making derogatory or unacceptable remarks about Netaji, and that police action would follow irrespective of political affiliation. Two successive measures came within 24 hours of that assurance — first, the revocation of Ray's 'Banga Vibhushan' award on Thursday, and then the registration of the FIR on Friday.
Ray Issues Apology, But Legal Action Proceeds
Shortly after the state government announced the award withdrawal on Thursday, Ray posted a video message on his social media handle expressing regret. In a 17-second video, he said: 'With all due respect to Netaji, I sincerely apologise if anyone has been hurt mentally due to some of my unintentional statements about Netaji.' Despite the public apology, the FIR was registered against him, signalling that the state government intends to let the legal process run its course.
What Happens Next
Ray now faces formal legal proceedings under the registered FIR. The case is likely to intensify scrutiny on the BJP's standing in West Bengal, where Netaji's legacy remains a politically and emotionally charged issue. With Independence Day falling the day after the FIR was filed, the episode has drawn renewed national attention to the boundaries of political speech around revered historical figures.
Point of View
Netaji's legacy is not merely historical; it is electoral currency. The BJP, which has actively appropriated that legacy nationally, now finds one of its own MPs on the wrong side of it. Ray's 17-second apology underscores how quickly the political ground shifted, but the FIR ensures the episode will not be quietly buried. The real question is whether this sets a precedent for policing speech on historical figures, or remains a one-off response to an unusually provocative statement.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was an FIR registered against Nagendra Ray?
An FIR was registered against BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray on 14 August by Cooch Behar District Police for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, including claiming Netaji had no role in India's independence and accusing him of misusing the Azad Hind Fauj. The case was based on a complaint filed by a Cooch Behar resident on 7 August.
What is the 'Banga Vibhushan' award and why was it withdrawn from Ray?
The 'Banga Vibhushan' is West Bengal's civilian honour. The state government withdrew and annulled the award conferred on Ray in February this year, citing his derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The revocation was announced on Thursday, a day before the FIR was registered.
Did Nagendra Ray apologise for his remarks about Netaji?
Yes. Shortly after the award withdrawal was announced on Thursday, Ray posted a 17-second video on his social media handle saying: 'With all due respect to Netaji, I sincerely apologise if anyone has been hurt mentally due to some of my unintentional statements about Netaji.' The apology did not prevent the FIR from being filed.
What did Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari say about the controversy?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated publicly that no one would be spared for making derogatory or unacceptable remarks about Netaji, and that police would act regardless of political affiliation. Both the award withdrawal and the FIR followed within 24 hours of that assurance.
What happens next in the case against Nagendra Ray?
Ray now faces formal legal proceedings under the registered FIR. The case is expected to proceed through the courts, and the political fallout for the BJP in West Bengal — a state where Netaji's legacy carries significant electoral weight — is likely to continue.
