Odisha Assembly session abruptly adjourned to avoid debate on remarks against Biju Patnaik: BJD

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for abruptly adjourning the Budget session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly without discussing the reportedly offensive remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey against former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

The BJD carried out the attack despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the leader in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion of the state’s foundation day and Mr. Dubey offering an unconditional apology.

In a statement on March 27, the BJP MP had alleged that Biju Patnaik was a ‘link’ between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the US intelligence agency CIA during the war against China in the 1960s.

“During Zero Hour on Tuesday, members strongly condemned Mr. Dubey’s remarks and moved a motion for a formal censure motion to the Speaker. After a debate, the Speaker accepted it and said the timing of the debate would be decided by the Business Advisory Committee. However, the House session was unexpectedly adjourned at midnight,” BJD’s Deputy Opposition Leader Prasanna Acharya told a press conference.

“The objectionable and derogatory statements made by the BJP MP about the legendary Biju Babu have hurt people across India. These statements deeply disturbed the entire Odia community and led to protests from Delhi to rural areas. However, it is surprising that the political party represented by Mr. Dubey has not issued any official response, which has raised questions among the citizens,” Mr. Acharya said.

Senior BJD leaders, including senior vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra and vice-president Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, termed it as “double standards” of the BJP government in Odisha. They said the premature end of the budget session was aimed at preventing a debate on the censure motion.

Mr. Nayak questioned why the BJP government, which came to power in the name of Odia pride, remained silent on the alleged insult against Biju Patnaik, the symbol of this identity.

“In 2018, when Abhijit Iyer Mitra made controversial statements that hurt Odia sentiments, the then Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government took stern action, leading to his imprisonment for 44 days. Similar legal action should be taken against Mr. Dubey as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Modi said in his letter: “This is the soil that nourished the great Biju Patnaik, whose life exemplified strength, courage and unwavering commitment to nation-building. Biju Babu’s multi-faceted personality inspires us all.”

Mr. Dubey, on the other hand, wrote about X: “While speaking to the media last week, my remarks regarding the exploits of the Nehru-Gandhi family, especially the honorable Biju Patnaik ji, a former CM and one of India’s eminent leaders, led to a wrong interpretation.”

“First of all, this statement is my personal opinion. My remarks about Nehru ji were misunderstood as if they were about Biju Babu. Biju Babu has always been and will remain an important statesman for us. If my statement has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I apologize unreservedly,” he said.

Naveen Patnaik, former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Patnaik’s son, reacted strongly to these remarks and said, “I think the MP (Nishikant Dubey) needs the attention of a mental doctor.” While BJD leaders launched a strong offensive by making statements and organizing agitations, leaders crossing party lines condemned these statements.