Odisha: Modi praises Biju Patnaik amid row over BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s remarks

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik as a symbol of courage and nation-building, amid a political controversy triggered by remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI)In a letter to Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion of the state’s foundation day, Modi described Biju Patnaik as a towering figure whose life continues to inspire generations. “This is the soil that nurtured the great Biju Patnaik, whose life epitomises strength, courage and an unwavering commitment to nation-building. Biju Babu’s multifaceted persona inspires us all,” the Prime Minister wrote. The remarks come amid a controversy sparked by Dubey, whose comments alleging links between Biju Patnaik and the CIA drew sharp reactions across Odisha’s political spectrum. Opposition parties as well as BJP leaders criticised the remarks as disrespectful, triggering protests and demands for an apology. Dubey initially said his comments were directed at former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and not at Biju Patnaik. Within 24 hours, he issued further clarifications and on Wednesday apologised. Political observers said the controversy highlights the enduring emotional connect of Biju Patnaik’s legacy in Odisha. A freedom fighter, aviator and two-time chief minister, he remains a central symbol of regional pride and the ideological foundation of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), named after him and led by his son, former chief minister Naveen Patnaik. In his message, Modi also paid tribute to several prominent figures from Odisha, including freedom fighters Buxi Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai, and social reformers Madhusudan Das and Gopabandhu Das. Highlighting Odisha’s cultural heritage, the prime minister referred to landmarks such as the Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, and the Sun Temple. Observers said Modi’s praise comes at a time when the controversy has also triggered speculation over shifting political alignments in the state amid indications of a tactical understanding between the BJD and the Congress during last month’s Rajya Sabha elections.