Bhubaneswar, March 31: BJD MP Muzibulla Khan (Munna Khan) has sharply criticized BJP MP Nishikant Dubey in the Rajya Sabha for making disrespectful comments about former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
In a speech on Tuesday, Munna Khan lauded the immense contributions of Biju Patnaik in shaping modern-day Odisha. At the same time, he strongly condemned BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his derogatory remarks about the iconic leader.
On March 27, 2026, Nishikant Dubey alleged that Biju Patnaik was a link between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the CIA during the 1960s. The statement sparked outrage among BJD leaders, with Munna Khan accusing Dubey of insulting the "pride of Odisha" and undermining "Odia Asmita" (Odia identity).
The BJD has denounced Dubey's comments as "false, fabricated, and disrespectful," demanding a public apology.
In response to the controversy, BJD MP Sasmit Patra resigned from a parliamentary committee chaired by Dubey, a move that was supported by Munna Khan and other party members as a sign of protest.
BJD chief Naveen Patnaik also weighed in, strongly rebuking Dubey’s remarks and suggesting that the BJP MP might require "mental treatment" for his comments on Biju Patnaik.
Munna Khan and other BJD leaders have reiterated that such statements about a revered leader like Biju Patnaik are completely unacceptable.
