Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik as an icon of courage and nation-building, amid a political controversy sparked by remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
In a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Sharan Majhi on the occasion of the state’s foundation day, Modi described Biju Patnaik as an eminent personality whose life continues to inspire generations.
“This is the soil that embraced the great Biju Patnaik, whose life embodied strength, courage and unwavering commitment to nation building. Biju Babu’s multi-faceted personality inspires us all,” the Prime Minister wrote.
The remarks come amid a controversy sparked by Dubey, whose comments alleging links between Biju Patnaik and the CIA sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum in Odisha. Opposition parties and BJP leaders criticized the remarks as disrespectful, sparking protests and demands for an apology.
Dubey initially said his comments were directed at former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and not Biju Patnaik. Within 24 hours, he issued further clarifications and apologized on Wednesday.
Political observers said the controversy highlights the enduring emotional connection to Biju Patnaik’s legacy in Odisha. A freedom fighter, pilot, and two-time prime minister, he remains a central symbol of regional pride and the ideological foundation of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), named after him and led by his son, former Prime Minister Naveen Patnaik.
In his message, Modi also paid tribute to several prominent figures from Odisha, including freedom fighters Buksi Gajabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai, and social reformers Madhusudan Das and Gopabandhu Das.
Highlighting the cultural heritage of Odisha, the Prime Minister pointed out landmarks like Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple and Sun Temple.
Observers said Modi’s praise comes at a time when the controversy has also sparked speculation about shifting political alliances in the state amid signs of a tactical understanding between the BJP and the Congress during the Rajya Sabha elections last month.
