Nishikant Dubey Sets Record Straight on Biju Patnaik Remarks
Synopsis
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey defends his comments linking Biju Patnaik to the CIA, emphasizing his admiration for the late leader. Amid backlash, he calls for respect toward Biju Babu's legacy.
Key Takeaways
Nishikant Dubey clarifies his remarks on Biju Patnaik.
Dubey emphasizes respect for Biju Babu’s contributions.
Naveen Patnaik strongly criticizes Dubey’s comments.
The controversy has stirred discussions within the BJP in Odisha.
Biju Patnaik is celebrated as a patriotic figure in India.
New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, March 31 (NationPress) BJP MP Nishikant Dubey took to social media on Monday to clarify his earlier comments that linked Biju Patnaik, the esteemed veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Odisha, to the CIA during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. He emphasized that his remarks were not a personal attack on Biju Babu and that he holds the legendary figure in great regard.
In a post on X, Dubey stated, “What have we said against Biju Babu in it? I am undertaking a year-long series highlighting the misdeeds of the Nehru-Gandhi family. We revere Biju Babu as well. Criticizing him politically is unjust. Esteemed individuals deserve respect.”
He urged the people of Odisha to avoid becoming pawns in political games and paid tribute to Biju Patnaik’s significant contributions to the nation.
Dubey further asserted that when the Congress party wronged Biju Babu, it was the Jan Sangh and subsequently the BJP that supported him steadfastly.
This controversy arose after Dubey referred to Biju Patnaik as a “link” among Jawaharlal Nehru, the US government, and the CIA during the conflict with China, which led to backlash from many, including Naveen Patnaik, the current president of the Biju Janata Dal and son of Biju Patnaik. Naveen expressed astonishment and labeled Dubey’s remarks as “outrageous” and “baseless.”
Naveen Patnaik challenged the BJP MP's grasp of history, suggesting that Dubey “needs a mental doctor’s attention” for making such irresponsible assertions against a revered figure across Odisha.
He also highlighted that Prime Minister Nehru had appointed Biju Patnaik to an office adjacent to his in Delhi to strategize against China while Biju was still serving as Chief Minister.
The discourse has sparked unease within BJP ranks in Odisha, with senior leader and former Union Minister Baijayant Panda defending Biju Patnaik’s legacy, labeling him as “one of the greatest patriots of modern Bharat.”
Point of View
The reverence for Biju Patnaik complicates the narrative. It raises questions about the intersection of history and contemporary politics, urging us to consider the impact of our words on legacies.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nishikant Dubey say about Biju Patnaik?
Nishikant Dubey linked Biju Patnaik to the CIA during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which he later clarified was not a personal attack.
How did Naveen Patnaik respond to Dubey's remarks?
Naveen Patnaik criticized Dubey's comments as outrageous and baseless, questioning his understanding of history.
What is Biju Patnaik's legacy?
Biju Patnaik is revered as a significant figure in Odisha's history and a patriot who contributed to India's independence.
What was Dubey's intent with his remarks?
Dubey aimed to highlight the misdeeds of the Nehru-Gandhi family while asserting respect for Biju Patnaik.
Is there any division within the BJP regarding this issue?
Yes, the controversy has caused unease within BJP circles, with some leaders defending Biju Patnaik's legacy.
