Bhubaneswar, March 31 (NationPress) The controversy surrounding BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's purportedly disrespectful comments about the esteemed leader Biju Patnaik has created a significant uproar in the Odisha Assembly. Members from the opposition parties, particularly the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress, vocally protested in the House regarding this matter.

As Question Hour commenced, both BJD and Congress legislators entered the Well of the House, chanting slogans and criticizing the state government for Dubey's derogatory remarks. The session continued amidst the chaos for a brief period until 10:52 a.m., when Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the assembly until 11:30 a.m.. Upon reconvening, the House experienced further disorder and heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches during Zero Hour proceedings.

Opposition members from both Congress and BJD submitted notices requesting the passage of a resolution denouncing Dubey's disrespectful comments aimed at Biju Babu, which Speaker Padhy indicated is currently under review.

In the midst of the turmoil, the Appropriation Bill for the budget year 2026-2027 was introduced for discussion in the House.

Addressing the situation, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan affirmed that the state government is aware of the negative remarks made by MP Nishikant Dubey against the iconic mass leader, the late Biju Patnaik. Harichandan stated, “I want to clarify on behalf of the state government that these remarks are entirely MP Dubey’s personal opinions. Such irresponsible comments will not be tolerated. His comments have deeply offended everyone, including the Chief Minister and all of us. We urge that no one else makes such remarks or counter-remarks and that we collectively ensure these unacceptable comments do not happen again.”

In contrast, senior BJD leader Gautam Buddha Das criticized the BJP-led government, expressing that while the BJP claims Dubey had no intention to offend Biju Patnaik and has provided a clarification, the statement has neither been formally retracted nor sufficiently corrected. “The people of Odisha are protesting because such comments indicate a profound misunderstanding of history. Biju Patnaik was a Mahanayak (great leader) and the architect of modern Odisha. Any insult directed at him is intolerable,” Das emphasized.

He further alleged that the BJP has contributed little to the freedom movement and accused its leaders of being unaware of the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence. Das insisted that Nishikant Dubey must offer a clear and unconditional apology. “Until he does, the outrage will persist,” he proclaimed, adding that this issue is directly tied to Odia identity and pride, which must not be compromised.