Nishikant Dubey Clarifies Remarks, Reaffirms Respect for Biju Patnaik

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has sought to clarify his recent remarks linking Biju Patnaik to alleged CIA involvement during the 1962 India‑China war.

Dubey stressed that his comments were aimed at the Nehru‑Gandhi family and the Congress Party, not at Patnaik himself.

He described Biju Patnaik as a “pride of Bihar and Odisha” and a respected freedom fighter, emphasising that he never intended to malign his legacy.

Dubey cited correspondence from Jawaharlal Nehru referencing Patnaik’s role in discussions with American officials, arguing that Nehru relied heavily on U.S. support during the conflict.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly condemned Dubey’s remarks, defending Patnaik’s contributions as a pilot, freedom fighter, and twice chief minister of Odisha.

They highlighted his heroic missions, including rescuing Indonesian leaders in 1947 and flying for the Soviet Union during World War II.

Odisha former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Biju Patnaik’s son, called Dubey’s comments “outrageous” and recalled his father’s role in coordinating war tactics with Nehru during the 1962 conflict.

He suggested Dubey’s remarks were irresponsible and offensive.

The controversy has sparked political tension, with the BJP defending Dubey’s statements as criticism of the Nehru‑Gandhi family, while the BJD continues to uphold Biju Patnaik’s revered legacy.