Nishikant Dubey retracts controversial comments on former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey issued a formal, unconditional apology on Wednesday following intense national outrage over his comments linking former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik to the CIA and Jawaharlal Nehru. The parliamentarian took to social media platform X to express regret, timed notably with the Utkal Dibasa celebrations, stating that his previous remarks were misinterpreted. He clarified that his criticisms were aimed at the Nehru-Gandhi family rather than the "Tall Man" of Odisha, whom he now describes as a towering statesman.
Fury erupted across the state after Dubey suggested the legendary freedom fighter acted as a conduit between American intelligence and the Prime Minister’s Office during the 1962 conflict with China. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the remarks as outrageous, suggesting the BJP leader required medical evaluation. The BJD supremo reminded critics that Nehru had specifically requested Biju Patnaik’s strategic expertise, even providing him an office in Delhi to coordinate defence efforts against Chinese aggression.
Discontent surfaced even within the BJP ranks, as senior leader Baijayant Panda labeled the allegations uninformed and unacceptable. In the Odisha Assembly, the ruling party and opposition united in their condemnation, with Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan noting that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi felt deeply hurt by the slur. This rare moment of political consensus reflects Biju Patnaik’s status as a non-partisan symbol of Odia pride and his historical role in establishing the secret Aviation Research Centre (ARC) at Charbatia, which remains a vital part of India's intelligence infrastructure.
Dubey’s apology follows the resignation of BJD MP Sasmit Patra from a parliamentary committee led by the BJP leader. By labeling Biju Patnaik a "great freedom fighter," Dubey attempted to douse the flames of a controversy that threatened to alienate voters in a state where Biju Babu’s legacy remains sacrosanct.
