In a significant ceremony held in Kolkata’s Deshapriya Park on Saturday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee awarded the Banga Vibhushan, West Bengal’s highest civilian honor, to 25 distinguished individuals, including BJP MP Nagen Roy, also known as Ananta Maharaj. This event coincided with Mother Language Day and featured several notable figures in the arts, such as singers Nachiketa Chakraborty, Lopamudra Mitra, Babul Supriyo, and Iman Chakraborty.

Nagen Roy’s Prominence and Community Impact

Nagen Roy, a Rajya Sabha MP, was nominated by the BJP to the Council of States in 2023. His membership is particularly noteworthy due to his influence as a leader of the Rajbanshi community in North Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress faces challenges against the BJP. The award ceremony has stirred political conversations ahead of the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled for April and May.

Acknowledgment of Cultural Contributions

During the ceremony, Mamata Banerjee emphasized the importance of Roy’s contributions to the Rajbanshi language and culture. She presented him with a ceremonial stole and citation, stating, “We want him to continue working for the Rajbanshi community and society at large.” The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at supporting the Rajbanshi community.

Roy’s Personal Reflections on Receiving the Award

In remarks to the media following the event, Roy expressed his surprise at receiving the award, stating, “I never even dreamt of it.” He detailed his community contributions, noting his work in writing Hindi poetry, authoring books such as “Adhikari Darshan Jyoti,” which chronicles Rajbanshi customs and festivals, and guiding numerous individuals in pursuing legal and administrative careers.

Political Speculations and Clarifications

Speculation emerged regarding whether Roy might shift his political allegiance as elections approach. However, Roy firmly denied any intentions to switch parties, questioning, “Have I joined any party? Did I join any party? No. Is there any chance now? I have no interest in this.”

Background on Nagen Roy

Nagen Roy, an influential figure in the Rajbanshi community, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP. He is referred to as Ananta Maharaj and holds considerable sway within the community comprising approximately 3.3 million individuals, as per the 2011 Census. His advocacy for separate Cooch Behar statehood, derived from regions in North Bengal and Assam, has defined much of his political career.

Significance of the Banga Vibhushan Award

The timing of the Banga Vibhushan award has drawn attention, particularly as the state approaches crucial elections. The Trinamool Congress has been in power for 15 years, facing increasingly stiff competition from the BJP, especially in the North Bengal region, where the Rajbanshi community’s votes are considered pivotal. Despite previous affiliations with the TMC, Roy’s alignment with the BJP has been evident since his nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

Concerns Regarding Election Processes

Recently, Roy publicly expressed concerns regarding the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal, suggesting it posed challenges for Rajbanshi voters. Unofficial claims have circulated that his name was added to the Banga Vibhushan award list later than initially intended. However, no formal confirmation of these claims exists. Regardless, his recognition remains significant within the context of West Bengal’s electoral dynamics.

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