BJP’s Nishikant Dubey apologises for remarks on ex-Odisha CM Biju Patnaik

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) tendered an unconditional apology 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.

He was criticised within and outside the BJP for the comment.

Taking to X, the BJP Parliamentarian, said, “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”.

Stressing that it was his personal view, Mr. Dubey said, “My thoughts on Nehru ji were misconstrued as being about Biju Babu. Biju Babu has always been and will remain a towering statesman for us. If my statement has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I unconditionally apologies,” Mr Dubey said.

He also wished the people of Odisha on Utkal Dibasa.