Can Suvendu Adhikari's warning to Netaji defamers silence icon's critics in BJP?

The law is equal for all, the Bengal CM has said over a row that erupted from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj's alleged derogatory references to Netaji Subhas Chandra BoseWest Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, on August 12, directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against those making derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, asserting that the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs, political leaders and government officials.Adhikari's directive comes amidst a political controversy over remarks by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendranath Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj. He has allegedly described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India's freedom struggle.Adhikari said the government would not tolerate attempts to tarnish the image of Netaji, including through social media posts. “I have asked the police to take stringent action against those making derogatory remarks against Netaji on social media. Police have been directed to arrest those behind this,” he said.The chief minister was asked specifically whether action would be taken against Ananta Maharaj. Without naming him, Adhikari said political office would not offer protection from the law. “I will not name anyone, but the law is equal for MLAs, MPs, leaders of any party, government officials or police officers,” he said. Adhikari also asked those who had posted derogatory material about Netaji on social media to delete it and apologise. But he cautioned that taking down a post would not necessarily end the matter. “The police will make the final decision independently,” he said.The controversy has also widened beyond the remarks made by Ananta Maharaj, with several allegedly offensive posts and altered images of Netaji circulating on social media. A complaint has reportedly been filed against two Facebook users over allegedly morphed images and offensive comments.Adhikari said the police would proceed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He rejected the suggestion that he was targeting individuals selectively while declining to comment on allegations that members of the BJP itself had insulted Netaji. “I don’t want to name anyone and make them famous, but the law is equal for everyone,” he reiterated.Adhikari's comments come at a time his government has sought to put Netaji at the centre of a wider public-service initiative across West Bengal. He has announced in the legislative assembly that MLAs would be encouraged to establish public service centres named after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in their constituencies.Under the proposed scheme, the government will provide Rs 30,000 a month to each eligible centre, subject to conditions. The centres will have to be named ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Seva Kendra’ and display a portrait of Netaji in traditional dhuti-panjabi attire. The state information and cultural affairs department will provide the portraits.Adhikari said more than 100 such centres had already been opened and argued that MLAs should have dedicated offices from where they can provide services to constituents. “Earlier, MLAs used to work from government offices. Now almost every MLA has their own office. Every constituency must have a service centre run by the MLA. Through these centres, they will provide services to the people. Everyone will receive services, whether they voted for them or not,” he said.Adhikari said finance minister Swapan Dasgupta would introduce a bill in the next assembly session to provide the legal framework for the monthly assistance, with funds expected to be disbursed from August.The announcements align with India's 80th Independence Day and underline the BJP government's attempt to foreground Netaji's legacy in its public and political messaging. Adhikari even referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's installation of Netaji’s statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi in 2022.“We have strong regards for the national leader, and you have seen that our prime minister has set up a statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Kartavya Path. Today we have announced the setting up of Netaji Subhash Seva Kendra in each assembly constituency and the state government will provide financial aid,” he said.However, on the very day the chief minister issued his warning to those defaming Netaji, the BJP suffered a setback as a development from Rampurhat in July surfaced. Local BJP MLA Dhruba Saha, apparently along with party workers, had changed the name of a road said to be named after Netaji, dedicating it to BJP ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Saffron coloured boards bearing Mookerjee’s name were erected along the road. Saha has, however, said no records showed the road was ever named after Netaji, and that he was ready to rectify if a mistake had been committed.Meanwhile, the chief minister has announced an increase in the monthly medical allowance for former MLAs from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000, effective from August. He said the government had a responsibility towards legislators who had completed their terms and served the state. He said he would also discuss increasing the retirement allowance of former MLAs with the finance minister.Adhikari also announced a proposed Rs 10 crore contribution from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to assist Assam, which is battling severe floods. “The situation in Assam is terrifying. We have a special spiritual connection with Assam. We will provide financial assistance of Rs 10 crore,” he said.On a security-related issue, Adhikari claimed police action against suspected terrorists had intensified in Bengal and that central and state agencies were working together to identify and arrest suspects. “Terrorists used to use Bengal as a safe passage to enter India. Now our police are arresting them. Central and state agencies are working together and that is why such activities are coming to the fore,” he said.The Netaji controversy, however, remained the most politically charged issue of the day, with Adhikari seeking to draw a clear line between political affiliation and accountability. His repeated assertion that the law would apply equally to everyone also puts the state police under pressure to demonstrate that the directive extends beyond social media users and political opponents to members of the ruling establishment as well.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsPublished By: Yashwardhan SinghPublished On: Aug 13, 2026 19:27 IST