The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed strong disapproval of BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s comments regarding the late politician Biju Patnaik and urged him to apologize. The BJD’s youth and student wings, Biju Yuva Janata Dal and Chhatra Janata Dal, protested against Dubey’s remarks in Bhubaneswar. Senior BJD leaders at a press conference demanded an unconditional apology from Dubey to the people of Odisha and the nation.
Debi Prasad Mishra and Pramila Mallik, senior BJD members, criticized Dubey’s statement at the party headquarters in Odisha. Mallik emphasized Dubey’s lack of understanding of Biju Babu’s contributions and called for his immediate apology. Mishra highlighted Biju Patnaik’s role as a freedom fighter and statesman, emphasizing his significant contributions to defense, aviation, and international relations.
Naveen Patnaik, BJD president, and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, also condemned Dubey’s remarks, suggesting that Dubey needs professional help for his comments on Biju Patnaik. The controversy arose from Dubey’s allegations linking Biju Patnaik to India’s foreign and defense affairs in the 1960s, insinuating ties with the CIA during the India-China War period.
