Bhubaneswar, March 31 – The controversy over alleged disrespectful remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against the legendary leader Biju Patnaik rocked the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday, as members of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress created a major uproar in the House over the issue.
As soon as Question Hour began, members of the BJD and Congress rushed to the well of the House, shouting slogans and targeting the state government over the disrespectful statement made by Dubey.
The Question Hour continued for a few minutes amidst the chaos until 10:52 a.m., after which Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House until 11:30 a.m. The House then witnessed chaos and a verbal exchange between members of the treasury and opposition benches during Zero Hour proceedings.
Members from the Congress and BJD also submitted notices seeking a resolution condemning the disrespectful remarks against Biju Babu made by Dubey, which Speaker Padhy said is under consideration.
Meanwhile, amidst the uproar, the Appropriation Bill for the 2026-2027 budget was tabled in the House for discussion.
Clarifying the government's position on the matter, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated on Tuesday that the negative remarks made by MP Nishikant Dubey against the late Biju Patnaik, a prominent leader of Odisha, have come to the notice of the state government.
"I want to make it clear on behalf of the state government that these are completely MP Dubey's personal views. Such irresponsible comments are not acceptable at any cost. His comments deeply hurt everyone, from the Chief Minister to all of us. We hope that no one makes such remarks or counter-remarks and also urge everyone to ensure that such unacceptable remarks do not recur," said Harichandan.
On the other hand, targeting the BJP-led government over the issue, senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Gautam Buddha Das said that while the BJP has claimed that Dubey had no intention to disrespect Biju Patnaik and has issued a clarification, the statement has neither been withdrawn nor adequately corrected.
"The people of Odisha are protesting because such remarks reflect a lack of understanding of history. Biju Patnaik was a Mahanayak (great leader) and the architect of modern Odisha. Any insult to him is unacceptable," Das said.
He further alleged that the BJP has no historical contribution to the freedom movement and accused its leaders of lacking awareness about the sacrifices made during the Independence struggle. Das demanded that Nishikant Dubey must issue a clear and unconditional apology.
"Until he apologizes, the outrage will continue," he asserted. Referring to the broader political context, he said the issue is linked to Odia identity and pride, which cannot be compromised.