‘Delete Posts, Apologise’: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Orders Action Over ‘Derogatory’ Remarks Against Netaji

The West Bengal government has directed police action against social media users accused of making unsavoury comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, while MLAs have been asked to set up ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Seva Kendra’ centres.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Adhikari said those responsible should immediately delete the allegedly objectionable content. He also directed the police to take action against people making such remarks, stressing that the law should apply equally to everyone, including elected representatives and government officials.

The move comes amid a fresh controversy surrounding comments about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his role in India’s freedom struggle.

‘Delete the posts and apologise’

Adhikari said people making objectionable comments about Netaji on social media should not be allowed to escape accountability.

“I have asked police to arrest those making unsavoury comments on Netaji. Law will be equal for MLAs, MPs, and government officials,” he said, according to the report.

The Chief Minister’s remarks came after BJP MP Nagendranath Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, reportedly described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned aspects of his leadership as well as the role played by the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s independence movement.

The comments triggered criticism, given Netaji’s enduring place in India’s freedom struggle and his widespread popularity in West Bengal.

MLAs asked to open Netaji-named service centres

Alongside the police directive, Adhikari announced another initiative centred on Netaji’s legacy.

The Chief Minister has asked all MLAs in the state to establish public service centres in their respective constituencies. These facilities will be named Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Seva Kendra and are intended to provide various services to local residents.

According to Adhikari, the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 30,000 per month for running each centre, subject to specified conditions.

The centres will also have to display a portrait of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose dressed in traditional dhoti and kurta. The portraits will reportedly be supplied by the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department.

‘Everyone will receive services’

Explaining the idea behind the centres, Adhikari said MLAs should have dedicated offices where people can approach them for assistance.

He said that while many MLAs already operate their own offices, every constituency should have a dedicated service centre run by the elected representative.

The Chief Minister stressed that the facilities should serve residents irrespective of their political affiliations or voting choices.

The announcement places Netaji’s name at the heart of a new constituency-level public service initiative, while the simultaneous police directive signals the government’s tougher position on social media remarks concerning the freedom fighter.

For the West Bengal government, the episode has therefore become about more than a social media controversy. It has also opened a wider conversation around how Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy is discussed in public life—and where the line should be drawn between historical debate and remarks considered insulting or defamatory.