Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member Nagendra Roy’s (popularly known as Ananta Maharaj) controversial remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has prompted a strong reaction from prominent members of the Rajbanshi community.
Eleven eminent personalities, including academics, educationists, political leaders, writers and social activists, issued a joint statement condemning what they described as “false, misleading and derogatory” comments against Netaji.
They also alleged that objectionable language had been used against Rai Saheb Panchanan Barma, revered as the pioneer of the Rajbanshi community.
The signatories asserted that Netaji remains one of the greatest icons of India’s freedom struggle, whose patriotism, sacrifice and leadership continue to inspire the nation. They said attempts to distort history or insult such a national figure were unacceptable and stressed that the views of a few individuals should not be construed as those of the Rajbanshi community. The statement demanded an unconditional apology and urged responsible public discourse to safeguard communal harmony and national unity.
The joint statement was signed by former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nikhilesh Roy, Lok Sabha MP Dr Jayanta Kumar Roy, Padma Shri awardees poet Nagendranath Roy and scientist Mahendranath Roy, former North Bengal University professor Girindranarayan Roy, writer Jagadish Asowar, Prof. Biswajit Roy, Prof. Upendranath Barman, Annamoyee Adhikary, president of The Cooch Behar Kshatriya Society, its secretary Shubhadip Sarkar and vice-president Radhakanta Barma.
“It is not appropriate to make misleading or controversial remarks about a great national icon,” said Dr Jayanta Kumar Roy.
Padma Shri awardee Mahendranath Roy questioned how “a person who repeatedly insults eminent personalities and cannot speak respectfully” could continue as a member of the Rajya Sabha, alleging that an unworthy person was occupying the House.
North Bengal Development Minister Nisith Pramanik distanced the BJP from the controversy, saying, “His remarks are his personal views. The party has no connection with them, nor does it endorse or believe in such statements. We have repeatedly invited him to attend various party programmes, but he does not participate.”
Meanwhile, a section of people lodged a police complaint against the Rajya Sabha MP over the issue.
Nagendra Roy, elected to the Rajya Sabha on a BJP ticket, had extended support to the Trinamul Congress ahead of the last Lok Sabha election. Although he has occasionally attended BJP programmes, he has also publicly criticised the party leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, leaving the BJP in an uncomfortable position over one of its prominent Rajbanshi faces.