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

BJP's Nishikant Dubey apologizes for controversial remarks about ex-CM Biju Patnaik, clarifying his statements were misconstrued.

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

The BJD mounted the attack despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying rich 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 tendering an unconditional apology.

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

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

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

Senior BJD leaders, including senior vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra and vice-president Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, termed it a “double standard” by the BJP government in Odisha. The premature ending of the Budget session was aimed at avoiding a discussion on a condemnation motion, they said.