Nishikant Dubey Apologises Over Remarks on Biju Patnaik Amid Political Row

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on April 1 issued a public apology following a political storm over his remarks about former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. Taking to X, Dubey said, "Biju Babu has always been and will remain a towering statesman for us," adding that he "unconditionally" apologises if his comments hurt sentiments.

The clarification came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Biju Patnaik in his Utkal Divas message to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Modi described Patnaik as a symbol of courage and a leader whose contributions to nation-building continue to inspire generations.

Dubey's remarks had triggered strong reactions across party lines, including within the BJP. Several leaders termed his statements "unworthy," while opposition parties criticised what they saw as an attack on a respected regional icon.

The controversy began during a March 27 media interaction in New Delhi, where Dubey made claims linking former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Biju Patnaik to the CIA during the 1962 India-China war. He alleged that Patnaik acted as a "link" between Nehru, the United States, and intelligence agencies-claims that were widely dismissed as historically inaccurate.

Dubey also suggested that Odisha's Charbatia air base had hosted US military operations and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft with Patnaik's involvement. Critics rejected these assertions as baseless.

The backlash intensified with sharp responses from Patnaik's son, Naveen Patnaik, who criticised Dubey's remarks, while BJD MP Sasmit Patra resigned from a parliamentary panel chaired by Dubey in protest.

Adding to the criticism, BJP leader Baijayant Panda called the claims "fantastical and patently ludicrous." Despite Dubey's apology, the controversy continues to fuel political debate in Odisha and beyond.