BJP Rajya Sabha MP and Greater Cooch Behar People's Association (GCPA) leader Nagen Roy has triggered fresh controversy with remarks against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, less than 24 hours after reportedly softening his stance on the freedom fighter.

Speaking at a GCPA public meeting at Jabravita near Siliguri on Sunday, Roy described Netaji as a 'world criminal' and 'war criminal' and questioned his role in India's freedom struggle.

Roy claimed that Netaji had fought against India and fled from Japan. Questioning Netaji's leadership, he said, 'Who made Subhas a leader? What kind of leader was he?'

He also asked his supporters whether a person who fought against a country could be considered a traitor and whether Netaji had taken up arms against India.

After the gathering responded in the affirmative, Roy claimed that Netaji had not actually liberated the country. Roy further claimed that it was the people of Cooch Behar who had secured India's independence.

Challenging anyone to prove otherwise with historical evidence, he said he was ready to be hanged if such evidence was produced.

'We have liberated India. No one else had the courage. If anyone other than us liberated India, let them provide proof and documents. If they can, they can hang me,' Roy said.

The GCPA leader also sought to project former Cooch Behar ruler Maharaja Jagaddipendra Narayan as a key historical leader and alleged that the 'great leader' of the region had been subjected to atrocities and killed.

Roy also raised the issue of the rights of the indigenous people of Cooch Behar, claiming that they were the 'owners of the land'.

He said the community had set 2029 as a deadline and warned that he knew where political pressure would have to be applied to secure their demands.

The meeting was organised at Jabravita to commemorate August 9, the date associated with the historic merger agreement involving Cooch Behar.

Roy's comments on Netaji have since triggered criticism and questions over his understanding of the freedom movement and historical events.

Roy, however, defended his remarks, maintaining that the claims he made were based on information and evidence.

The controversy has also put the BJP in a difficult position, with Roy's comments drawing attention because of his position as a party Rajya Sabha MP.

BJP West Bengal general secretary Bapi Goswami sought to distance the party from the remarks. 'Netaji is in the heart of every Indian. I do not know who said what. The party will consider the matter,' Goswami said.