Odisha Chief Minister Expresses Deep Hurt Over BJP MP's Controversial CIA Remarks on Biju Patnaik
In a significant political development, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been described as "deeply hurt" by the recent remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, which controversially linked the late statesman and former chief minister Biju Patnaik to the CIA. This statement was conveyed by Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Tuesday, highlighting the growing tensions within the state's political landscape.
Government's Firm Stance on the Issue
Speaking to the media outside the assembly, Harichandan emphasized that the government has taken note of the negative comments directed at Odisha's revered leader, Biju Patnaik. He made it unequivocally clear that Dubey's remarks represent his individual opinion and are entirely unacceptable. "Politicizing this sensitive issue will only tarnish the esteemed image of Biju Patnaik," Harichandan stated, adding that the sentiment of hurt extends from the chief minister to everyone in the state. He urged against further commentary or political maneuvering, stressing the universal deep respect held for Patnaik's legacy.
Assembly Proceedings Disrupted by Protests
The controversy erupted on a day marked by intense protests inside the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Congress, and Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a demonstration, demanding a censure motion against the Jharkhand MP. The uproar forced Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the proceedings for approximately an hour shortly after the house reconvened. In response, the speaker referred the notice for the censure motion to the business advisory committee for further consideration.
Opposition Parties Demand Apology and Accountability
BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo strongly condemned the alleged insult to a great freedom fighter and patriot, calling it uncalled for. He argued that the BJP, which claims to promote Odia pride (Odia asmita), should support the censure motion and compel Dubey to issue an unconditional apology. Echoing this sentiment, Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Das insisted that Dubey must withdraw his comments and apologize to the nation for the disrespect shown.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das denounced Dubey's remarks as "outrageous." In a post on social media platform X, Das asserted, "Such baseless comments on a towering freedom fighter like him are absolutely intolerable. Insulting Biju Babu's legacy will not conceal the failures of the BJP government."
Dubey's Clarification Amidst the Storm
Amid the escalating controversy, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey attempted to clarify his position on Monday. He asserted that he had never intended to undermine the former Odisha chief minister, whom he described as a great freedom fighter. However, this clarification has done little to quell the outrage, as political parties continue to demand formal retractions and apologies.
The incident underscores the delicate balance between political discourse and respect for historical figures in Odisha, with emotions running high across party lines. As the assembly deliberates on the censure motion, the focus remains on upholding the dignity of Biju Patnaik's contributions to the state and the nation.
