'Incorrect Interpretation': Nishikant Dubey Apologises Over Biju Patnaik 'CIA Link' Remark

Last Updated:April 01, 2026, 15:56 IST

Dubey had alleged that Biju Patnaik had acted as a link between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the CIA during the 1960s.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday issued an apology over his remarks about former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, following a political controversy that drew sharp reactions, especially in the state.

In a post on X, Dubey said his earlier comments had been misinterpreted. “Last week, while speaking to the media, an incorrect interpretation was drawn from my remarks regarding the Nehru-Gandhi family’s exploits, specifically in reference to the honorable Shri Biju Patnaik ji, a former Chief Minister and one of India’s leading leaders," he wrote.

He added that his views on Jawaharlal Nehru were mistakenly linked to Biju Patnaik. “Biju Babu has always been and will remain a towering statesman for us. If my statement has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I unconditionally apologise," he said.

The controversy began last week when Dubey alleged that Biju Patnaik had acted as a link between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the CIA during the 1960s, particularly around the time of the 1962 war with China.

In a series of posts on March 27, Dubey also claimed that the Nehru-Gandhi family had acted as “brokers of America" and suggested that the war was fought with US support and funding.

The remarks triggered strong backlash in Odisha, where Biju Patnaik is widely respected. BJD president and his son, Naveen Patnaik, had criticised Dubey’s comments, calling them “outrageous" and saying the BJP leader needed “mental doctor’s attention" for making such statements.

Aditionally, Odisha Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra had also resigned from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications, stating that he could not continue on a panel chaired by someone who made “disrespectful remarks" about a revered leader.

“I am resigning from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT under the Chairmanship of Shri Nishikant Dubey. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to serve under someone who makes such disrespectful remarks about a national icon. The legacy of Biju Patnaik ji will always stand taller than petty politics," Patra had said in a post on X Saturday, announcing his resignation.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics 'Incorrect Interpretation': Nishikant Dubey Apologises Over Biju Patnaik 'CIA Link' Remark

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