New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) A political controversy has unfolded following remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey regarding the late Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha. This sparked BJD MP Sasmit Patra to resign from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT in protest.

The conflict began when Dubey reportedly stated that Biju Patnaik served as a "bridge" between the United States government, the CIA, and late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. This assertion provoked strong backlash from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders, who deemed the comments inappropriate.

In response to the uproar, Dubey addressed reporters outside Parliament, stating, "If anyone is feeling hurt, I can only help them understand." He emphasized his admiration for Biju Patnaik, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted.

"Biju Patnaik was a remarkable freedom fighter. The Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently honored his legacy. It was only the Jan Sangh and subsequently the BJP that stood by him when the Congress wronged him," Dubey remarked.

He further elaborated that his recent statements were part of a wider analysis of the Congress party's performance.

"I would like to know where I have accused Biju Babu. In India, there is a tendency to categorize great figures by caste and region. Biju Babu is not only Odisha's pride but also has connections to Bihar. Odisha was separated from Bihar in 1936–37," he noted.

Dubey also criticized the habit of politicizing historical figures, asserting that leaders like B.R. Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should be revered as national icons, not viewed through a narrow lens.

"They were all heroes. My intention was merely to highlight reports and performances from the Congress era. I can only clarify if anyone feels offended," he reiterated, emphasizing that he meant no disrespect.

In the meantime, Sasmit Patra resigned from the parliamentary committee led by Dubey, citing Dubey's alleged comments as the cause. Sources indicated that some interpreted Dubey's remarks as labeling Biju Patnaik a "CIA agent," which heightened the political tension.

Former Chief Minister of Odisha and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, also condemned Dubey's comments. "I was taken aback by the outrageous remarks concerning Biju Babu. I doubt he realizes that Prime Minister Nehru entrusted him with a significant role during the Chinese conflict. I recall how fearless Biju Babu was during that time," he stated, strongly criticizing Dubey's comments.

The controversy traces back to Dubey's statements made on March 27, discussing India's foreign and defense dealings in the 1960s. He alleged that before and after the 1962 India-China War, Nehru had connections with the United States and the CIA.

Dubey further asserted that Biju Patnaik acted as an intermediary in these dealings, tasked with sensitive defense responsibilities, including liaising with American officials.

The issue has since escalated into a wider political debate, with opposition leaders seeking accountability and the BJP defending Dubey's comments as part of a broader historical discussion.