Bhubaneswar, April 1 BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday apologized unconditionally for his claim that former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik was the link between Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the CIA during the war against China in the 1960s.
Dubey chose 'Utkal Dibasa', Odisha's foundation day, to apologize for the comment on Patnaik, an iconic figure in the state, and wished the people on the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Patnaik on the 'Utkal Dibasa', saying that his life epitomizes strength, courage, and an unwavering commitment to nation-building.
Following his statement linking Patnaik with the CIA on March 27, the BJP MP was criticised within and outside the BJP.
"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 honourable Shri Biju Patnaik ji, a former Chief Minister and one of India's leading leaders," Dubey said on X.
Dubey stressed that it was his personal view, and that Patnaik has always been and will remain a towering statesman.
"My thoughts on Nehru ji were misconstrued as being about Biju Babu... If my statement has hurt anyone's sentiments, I unconditionally apologise," Dubey said.
Patnaik, a two-time chief minister of Odisha (1961-63 and 1990-95), was a freedom fighter and aviator known for his role in daring missions, including flying to Jakarta in 1947 to rescue Indonesian independence leaders and participating in operations linked to the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion of the Utkal Dibasa, said that Biju Patnaik is among the prominent sons of the soil.
"Biju Babu's multifaceted persona inspires us all. This (Odisha) is the soil that nurtured the great Biju Patnaik, whose life epitomises strength, courage and an unwavering commitment to nation-building," the PM said.
The opposition BJD, named after Biju Patnaik, in a statement said: "The nation rebutted the BJP MP, Nishikant Dubey's misconceived statement on Legendary leader and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik. People across the country remember Biju babu as a symbol of transformative & nationalist efforts."
The regional party headed by Biju’s younger son Naveen Patnaik said that Biju Patnaik is a symbol of Odia Pride.
"People from across the nation who love their country & love Biju Babu, are hurt (by Dubey's comment)," the party said.
Dubey's remark on the Odisha icon also did not go down well with BJP leaders hailing from the state ruled by the saffron party.
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said, "Dubey might have made the remark on his own. We, including the chief minister, are hurt over the statement. Biju Babu was a towering personality."
Earlier, BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda, Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Ray and Lok Sabha member Bibhu Prasad Tarai criticised Dubey.
Dubey's statement also earned criticism from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s family.
Netaji's grand nephew Chandra Kumar Bose had said in an X post that a serious charge was levelled against Biju Patnaik, and it must be condemned in no uncertain terms.