Political Storm Erupts Over Alleged Remarks Against Biju Patnaik
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday, suggesting he "needs mental doctor's attention" for his alleged comments about legendary Odisha leader Biju Patnaik. The controversy unfolded as Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MPs staged a walkout in protest, calling Dubey's remarks "outrageous" and "shameful."
Naveen Patnaik's Emotional Rebuttal
Speaking to journalists outside the Odisha assembly, Naveen Patnaik expressed profound surprise at the comments attributed to Dubey, who had reportedly claimed Biju Patnaik served as a link between the US government, CIA, and then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. "I don't think he knows that Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had given him an office next to his in Delhi while he was still chief minister of Odisha to help with strategy during the Chinese conflict and fight the Chinese," Patnaik stated with visible emotion.
Recalling personal memories from his youth, the BJD leader added, "I was about 13 years old then, but I remember how furious Biju babu was with the Chinese attack and how much he did to repel it. I think the MP needs some mental doctor's attention." This strong language from the typically reserved politician underscored the depth of personal offense taken at what he characterized as historical distortion.
Parliamentary Walkout and Dubey's Defense
In the Rajya Sabha, BJD MP Sasmit Patra formally raised the issue, demanding that the party's "strong protest" be recorded against what he called "false and concocted" remarks. "He called Biju Patnaik-ji a CIA agent. This is the level to which today the ruling party has fallen. This is utterly shameful. BJD strongly opposes it and in protest we are walking out," Patra declared before leading his party colleagues out of the chamber.
Dubey, however, offered a contrasting narrative, insisting he had never made derogatory statements about the former Odisha chief minister. "When Congress did injustice to Biju Babu, Jan Sangh and BJP stood by him. I am releasing a series on the acts of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Tell me which allegation did I level at Biju babu in my tweet? If anyone is hurt by what I have written, I can only try to make them understand," the BJP parliamentarian explained, while simultaneously praising Biju Patnaik's role as a freedom fighter.
Internal BJP Dissent and Cross-Party Condemnation
The controversy triggered significant backlash even within BJP ranks in Odisha. Party MLA Babu Singh, without directly naming Dubey, expressed regret over the discussions surrounding the late leader. "Biju Babu was not merely a people's leader; until his very last breath, he was ceaselessly devoted to the service of Odisha and the Odia people. I strongly condemn in the harshest terms the unseemly remarks made against him," Singh wrote on social media platform X, demanding an unconditional public apology.
Adding weight to the criticism, Chandra Kumar Bose—grandnephew of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose and former BJP member—weighed in with a sharp rebuke. "A serious charge levelled against respected Biju Patnaik ji must be condemned in no uncertain terms. Biju babu was very close to the Bose family," he posted, warning that "little knowledge is a dangerous thing & public personalities must refrain from diabolical statements just to please their masters!"
Congress Seizes Political Opportunity
Odisha Congress MLA Sagar Charan Das seized the moment to attack the ruling BJP, claiming the incident revealed their "real face." "Distorting history, tarnishing & hurling insults at Odisha's pride like Biju babu, a towering Indian, is nothing but their way of treating our freedom fighters. Is this the Odia Asmita they had promised while coming to power in Odisha?" Das questioned, condemning what he called "misleading & derogatory statements" while accusing the state government of lacking the spine to object.
The controversy has exposed deepening political fault lines in Odisha, with Biju Patnaik's legacy becoming a flashpoint between the ruling BJP and opposition parties. As emotions run high and historical narratives clash, the incident highlights how political discourse around freedom fighters and regional icons continues to shape contemporary electoral dynamics in India.
