Nishikant Dubey’s statement on Biju Patnaik keeps Odisha politics boiling

For a suave politician like Naveen Patnaik, the remark, “I think the MP [Nishikant Dubey] needs some mental doctor’s attention”, and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra stepping down from a Parliamentary standing committee may appear disproportionate responses to what was described as a ‘distasteful’ comment on the legendary Biju Patnaik by a BJP MP known for making controversial remarks.

However, for leaders of the Biju Janata Dal, such a reaction was both inevitable and non-negotiable, given that the party’s very foundation rests on the legacy of Biju Patnaik’s achievements. Although BJP leaders like Baijayant Panda and Dilip Ray issued statements eulogising legendary leader and his contribution to nation, they stopped short of outright condemnation or calling for action against him.

Since then, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has taken to the streets, regaining some political ground amid the controversy following its Rajya Sabha setback. The party’s leaders have sought to reconnect with the public after Biju Patnaik revered across party lines for his role in shaping modern Odisha was portrayed in a poor light. They also targeted BJP leaders for their silence on the issue.

Veteran BJD leader Ranendra Pratap Swain moved a motion titled “Defamatory and false statement pronounced against Biju Babu and thereby hurting the pride of Odiyas” in the Odisha Legislative Assembly for discussion.

The assembly on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) witnessed an uproarious scene with BJD MLAs shouting over the remarks.  Several of them also insisted that a resolution condemning the remark be passed by the House. Congress and BJP MLAs also termed the statement unfortunate. Speaker Surama Padhy said the notice would be discussed by business advisory committee.

“This has certainly given fodder to the BJD to stay in circulation, more importantly by invoking a sense of victimhood. For decades, the legendary Biju Patnaik remained above political controversy for the people of Odisha. Terming him a CIA conduit is not only distasteful but also damaging for the BJP, which now appears to be struggling to defend its own MP,” said senior journalist and political commentator Rabi Das.

“None of the BJP’s towering leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, or Prime Minister Narendra Modi ever made remarks that cast Biju Patnaik in a poor light. He symbolised Odia asmita (pride). I fail to understand what the BJP stands to gain by criticising the stature of a former Odisha CM and the father of Naveen Patnaik,” he asked.

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, uncharacteristically, used harsh words to criticise the remark, saying, “I think the MP needs some mental doctor’s attention.”

Expressing surprise, he said, “I am shocked to hear the outrageous things said about Biju Babu by a BJP MP. I don’t think he knows that Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had given him an office next to his in Delhi, even while he was CM of Odisha, to assist with strategy during the Chinese conflict. I was about 13 then, but I remember how furious Biju Babu was with the Chinese attack and how much he did to repel it.”

BJD MPs from Sasmit Patra to newly elected Santrupta Mishra along with state leaders, went public one after another, denouncing the statement. Various wings of the party staged demonstrations across the State.

The BJP’s response, however, appeared somewhat curious. “The discussions and remarks surfacing about the late former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, are extremely regrettable. I strongly condemn, in the harshest terms, the unseemly remarks made against him,” said BJP MLA Babu Singh.

Senior leaders like BJD vice-president Baijayant Panda said, “Biju uncle was a towering personality, not just Odisha’s tallest leader of his era, but among the leading lights of the nation. Casting aspersions on his patriotism is fantastical and patently ludicrous. Such attacks are unworthy, uninformed, and totally unacceptable.”

Sujeet Kumar, BJP’s re-elected Rajya Sabha MP, in a post said, “I have always maintained that Biju Babu- a true Ratna of India is amongst the most deserving for the Bharat Ratna and a portrait or statue of him in the Parliament complex.”

In a detailed post on social media platform X, Dilip Ray, who recently won Rajya Sabha election, highlighted Biju Patnaik’s legacy but refrained from demanding a withdrawal of the statement or an apology. BJD leaders termed BJP leaders’ statement as ritual. Congress leader Srikant Jena too criticised the statement.

Following the 2024 electoral setback, the BJD had been on a downward slide amid bypoll losses, Rajya Sabha reverses, and desertions by party leaders. However, the remark on Biju Patnaik has brought the party ranks together. Though the controversial comments by Nishikant Dubey were made outside Odisha, it is the State BJP that now finds itself under sustained attack.

Published – March 31, 2026 12:56 pm IST