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

Dubey had alleged links between Biju Patnaik and the CIA, drawing sharp criticism across the political spectrum.

Published on: Apr 1, 2026, 14:56:01 IST

By Debabrata Mohanty

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

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.

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debabrata Mohanty
Debabrata Mohanty is a senior assistant editor of Hindustan Times who works as state correspondent from Odisha covering the state's politics, governance, public policy, natural disasters, environment and its society for close to three decades. With his long years of reporting from the state capital of Bhubaneswar, Mohanty has been known as one of the most experienced and credible journalists covering Odisha for the national English dailies. His reporting combines on-ground detail with deep institutional knowledge detailing the state's changing politics, governance issues, administrative reforms and the functioning of its public institutions. He has regularly reported on issues ranging from legislative developments and public policy implementation. Politics is his core areas of expertise as he closely tracks Odisha's political landscape, including the rise and transformation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the two principal political parties in Odisha. His long association with the state's political establishment enables him to write on contemporary developments in a larger political context. Mohanty takes a deep interest in writing human interest stories, environmental issues and documenting the impact of cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and other climate-related events in one of the most disaster-prone states. His coverage extends to public health, governance reforms and stories on accountability of government institutions. Before joining Hindustan Times, Mohanty worked with The Indian Express, Mail Today, and The Telegraph, where he covered at least six general elections and as many assembly elections. In 2007, he was selected for the prestigious Chevening Young Indian Print Journalist Programme at the University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, where he received advanced training in print journalism. In 2009 he won the Press Institute of India-International Committee of Red Cross award on conflict reporting for his on-ground reportage of 2008 Kandhamal riots.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.