The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama on Tuesday as the Budget session began, with protests erupting over a controversial remark made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey about legendary leader Biju Patnaik.

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Question Hour Disrupted as Opposition Protests

As soon as the session commenced, BJD and Congress MLAs raised slogans of “Biju Babu Amar Rahe” and staged a sit-in near the Speaker’s podium. The only CPI(M) legislator also joined the protest.

The commotion forced Speaker to briefly continue proceedings before adjourning the House until 11:30 am to restore order.

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Controversy Over Remarks on Biju Patnaik

The uproar stemmed from Dubey’s alleged comments outside Parliament, where he reportedly made negative remarks about Biju Patnaik and referred to alleged CIA links.

The statement triggered strong reactions across political parties in Odisha.

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Government Distances Itself from Statement

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan clarified that the state government does not support such remarks, calling them “unfortunate, personal, and totally unacceptable.”

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Senior Leaders Condemn Remarks

Senior leader Vijay Mahapatra strongly criticized the statement, emphasizing Biju Patnaik’s role as a respected national leader and his contributions to India’s freedom struggle and international relations.

He demanded an immediate public apology from Dubey.

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BJD Moves Censure Motion

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) escalated the issue by formally moving a censure motion against the BJP MP. Senior BJD MLA Gautam Buddha Das warned that protests would continue both inside and outside the Assembly if an apology was not issued.

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BJP Responds to the Controversy

BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathi downplayed the issue with a light-hearted remark, suggesting political rivalry as a possible reason behind the uproar. He also noted that Dubey had already clarified his position.

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Biju Patnaik’s Legacy at the Center of Debate

The incident once again highlights the enduring influence of Biju Patnaik in Odisha politics. Decades after his passing, his legacy continues to evoke strong emotions and shape political discourse in the state.

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Assembly Likely to Witness More Tensions

With both sides refusing to back down, the issue is expected to remain a flashpoint during the Budget session. Political observers say the controversy could lead to further disruptions if not resolved through dialogue.