BJD leader Naveen Patnaik criticized BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday, suggesting that Dubey may require psychiatric evaluation for his controversial comments regarding freedom fighter Biju Patnaik. Patnaik condemned Dubey’s statement outside the Assembly, stating that the BJP MP’s remarks were inappropriate and alarming.
Dubey had alleged on March 27 that Biju Patnaik had connections with the CIA through former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the 1960s conflict with China. Patnaik expressed disbelief at these claims, emphasizing that Biju Patnaik’s dedication to defending against the Chinese aggression was evident during that period.
The remarks made by Dubey have sparked outrage in Odisha, with supporters of Biju Patnaik criticizing the BJP MP for dragging the revered leader’s name into the historical controversy. BJD MP Sasmit Patra resigned from a parliamentary committee led by Dubey in response to the situation.
Several other MPs, including Manas Mangaraj, Subhasish Khuntia, Muzibulla Khan, and Niranjan Bishi, denounced Dubey’s comments, accusing him of disrespecting the honor of Odisha. BJD senior vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra strongly condemned Dubey’s statements and demanded an apology from him for the disparaging remarks made against a patriotic figure.