BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Wednesday wished Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion of Utkal Divas, paid tributes to the illustrious figures of Odisha, including former CM Biju Patnaik.
Referring to Biju Patnaik, Modi remarked that his life "epitomises strength, courage and an unwavering commitment to nation building".
"This is the soil that nurtured the great Biju Patnaik, whose life epitomises strength, courage, and an unwavering commitment to nation building. Biju Babu’s multi-faceted persona inspires us all," PM Modi said in his four-page letter to CM Majhi.
In his letter, Modi paid tributes to Maharaj Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Buxi Jagabandhu, Veer Surendra Sai, Gangadhar Meher, Madhusudan Das, Harekrushna Mahtab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi, Parbati Giri, and Biju Patnaik, saying the legendary figures and countless others from the state have left an indelible mark on the nation.
The reference to Biju Patnaik also assumes significance in the wake of the remarks by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, which created outrage across the country.
The controversy stems from Dubey's remarks alleging that Biju Patnaik acted as a “link” between the US government, the CIA, and Nehru during the 1962 war, which sparked widespread outrage across Odisha. On Wednesday, he extended his unconditional apology, stating that his words were misinterpreted.
His party colleagues criticised him, while the Odisha government distanced itself from Dubey’s remarks, saying it was the MP's personal opinion.
BJD chief and former CM Naveen Patnaik had termed Dubey’s comments as "outrageous" and said that the BJP MP needs a mental doctor’s attention.