Bhubaneswar, March 30: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has condemned BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial remarks about Biju Patnaik, demanding an apology from the Godda MP. Dubey’s comments, made during a press conference on March 27, alleged Biju Patnaik’s involvement with the CIA during the 1962 India-China war, which the BJD described as “insulting” to the late leader’s legacy.

Protests were staged by the BJD’s youth and student wings in Bhubaneswar today, with senior party leaders Debi Prasad Mishra and Pramila Mallik demanding Dubey’s unconditional apology.

Mallik criticized the BJP for its silence on the issue, despite Biju Patnaik being an icon of Odia identity.

Mishra, highlighting Biju Patnaik's pivotal role in India’s defense and international relations, condemned the allegations as baseless.

BJD President Naveen Patnaik also joined the condemnation, suggesting that Dubey needed “a mental doctor’s attention” for his remarks.