BJD Demands Apology from BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahatab for Remarks on Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a sharp counterattack against BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahatab over his remarks on party supremo Naveen Patnaik.

Senior leaders Debi Prasad Mishra and Pratap Jena accused Mahatab of making “politically motivated and misleading” statements, demanding an unconditional public apology.

The BJD clarified that Patnaik’s recent comments on the Delhi student agitation were misrepresented.

According to the party, Patnaik had only urged for a democratic dialogue to resolve the crisis, not police intervention.

Highlighting the scale of the issue, Mishra pointed out that 99 exam paper leaks in 14 years have affected nearly 6.5 crore students, criticising the government’s silence and its branding of protesters as “anti-national.”

Jena further noted Mahatab’s political shift, recalling that during his six terms as a BJD MP, he consistently praised Patnaik’s leadership.

However, after joining the BJP, Mahatab has turned critical.

The BJD leaders stressed that Naveen Patnaik has always stood for democratic values and student welfare, framing Mahatab’s remarks as diversionary and irresponsible.

The press conference followed criticism from Odisha BJP MPs in New Delhi, who had attacked Patnaik’s comments on exam paper leaks.