BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Issues Apology Following PM Modi's Tribute to Biju Patnaik
In a significant political development, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey offered an unconditional apology on Wednesday for his recent comments linking former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik to the CIA. This apology came just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, lavishing praise on Biju Patnaik as a symbol of strength and courage.
PM Modi's Letter Praises Biju Patnaik's Legacy
Prime Minister Modi, writing from his Dibrugarh camp office, described Biju Patnaik as a towering figure whose life epitomizes unwavering commitment to nation-building. "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," Modi stated in his letter.
The Prime Minister's letter arrived amidst mounting criticism directed at Dubey from both within and outside the BJP, with many political observers and party members demanding a public apology for what they deemed inappropriate remarks about the revered Odisha leader.
Dubey's Apology and Clarification
Later in the day, the Jharkhand MP took to social media platform X to issue his apology. "Last week, while speaking to the media, an incorrect interpretation was drawn from my remarks regarding the Nehru-Gandhi family's exploits, specifically in reference to the honorable Shri Biju Patnaik ji, a former chief minister and one of India's leading leaders," Dubey wrote.
He clarified that his statements represented his personal views and had been misinterpreted. "First of all, this statement is my personal view. My thoughts on Nehru ji were misconstrued as being about Biju Babu. Biju Babu has always been and will remain a towering statesman for us. If my statement has hurt anyone's sentiments, I unconditionally apologize," the BJP parliamentarian added.
Utkal Divas Celebrations and Odisha's Cultural Heritage
On the occasion of Utkal Divas, Prime Minister Modi's letter also celebrated Odisha's rich cultural heritage and historical contributions. He recalled the valour of freedom fighters like Buxi Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai, while acknowledging the significant contributions of numerous Odia luminaries including Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Harekrushna Mahtab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi and Parbati Giri.
"One can only marvel at Odisha, its glorious history and the people of this exceptional state. Odia culture is a civilisational treasure," Modi emphasized, noting that Odias continue to excel across diverse fields from trade and commerce to academics, sports, arts and research.
Modi's Personal Connection and Development Vision for Odisha
The Prime Minister reflected on his decades-long association with Odisha, revealing that he frequently interacted with Odia communities long before assuming the nation's highest office. "I consider it my privilege and the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath that over the last decade, I have got the chance to work towards the progress of Odisha and the prosperity of its people," he wrote.
Modi highlighted substantial infrastructure investments in the state, noting that Odisha has received its highest-ever allocation in railways and roads this year. Railway allocation has surged to Rs 10,600 crore in 2025-26, a dramatic increase from the annual average of Rs 838 crore between 2009 and 2014, providing what he described as "fresh momentum" to connectivity and logistics.
Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives
The Prime Minister outlined several key development initiatives positioning Odisha as an emerging economic powerhouse:
- Enhanced Connectivity: Improved infrastructure expected to boost tourism in a state blessed with both natural beauty and cultural richness
- Maritime Development: Port-led development around Paradip, LNG terminals at Paradip and Gopalpur, and potential development of Bahuda Port and Mahanadi riverine port
- Industrial Growth: Proposed dedicated rare earth corridor and domestic permanent magnet manufacturing ecosystem to reinforce Odisha's importance in strategic minerals and advanced manufacturing
- Technology Advancement: The state emerging as a promising destination in India's semiconductor journey
Security Achievements and Future Vision
Modi also addressed security concerns, expressing pride in his government's success against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). "One of the things I am very proud of is our Govt's success against Left-Wing Extremism," he wrote, adding that the NDA government has focused on both eliminating Maoist threats and ensuring dignity for those affected by LWE violence, which had long hampered Odisha's development.
The Prime Minister praised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's leadership, stating, "I would also like to express my appreciation for you and the Odisha Govt for the exceptional work you have been doing over the last two years. The people have placed immense faith in this team and I am confident no stone will be left unturned to fulfil their dreams."
Looking ahead to Odisha completing 100 years as a state in a decade, Modi urged the chief minister to plan collectively for the state's continued progress, emphasizing the importance of sustained development efforts to build upon Odisha's rich legacy and promising future.
