Bhubaneswar: Days after his comment linking former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik to the CIA drew flak from different quarters, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey offered an apology on Wednesday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi praising Biju, calling him a symbol of strength and courage.In his letter from his Dibrugarh camp office, Modi wrote, “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 multifaceted persona inspires us all.” Modi’s letter comes in the backdrop of intense criticism for Dubey from within and outside the BJP, with many demanding a public apology. Later taking to X, the MP from Jharkhand wrote, “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. First of all, this statement is my personal view. My thoughts on Nehru ji were misconstrued as being about Biju Babu. Biju Babu has always been and will remain a towering statesman for us. If my statement has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I unconditionally apologize.” Meanwhile, on the occasion of Utkal Divas, the PM recalled the valour of Buxi Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai and the contributions of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Harekrushna Mahtab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi and Parbati Giri, saying they have left an indelible mark on India’s history.“One can only marvel at Odisha, its glorious history and the people of this exceptional state. Odia culture is a civilisational treasure,” he said. Modi also noted that Odias continue to excel in diverse fields — from trade and commerce to academics, sports, arts and research.Recalling his decades-long association with Odisha, Modi said he frequently interacted with Odia communities long before he became the PM. “I consider it my privilege and the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath that over the last decade, I have got the chance to work towards the progress of Odisha and the prosperity of its people,” he wrote.Modi said Odisha has received its highest-ever allocation in railways and roads this year. Railway allocation has risen to Rs 10,600 crore in 2025-26, from an annual average of Rs 838 crore between 2009 and 2014, giving “fresh momentum” to connectivity and logistics. Enhanced connectivity, he said, will also boost tourism in a state blessed with “both nature and culture.”Describing Odisha as an emerging maritime and industrial hub, he cited port-led development around Paradip, LNG terminals at Paradip and Gopalpur, and the potential of the Bahuda Port and Mahanadi riverine port and shipbuilding proposal. Modi said the proposed dedicated rare earth corridor and the scheme for developing a domestic permanent magnet manufacturing ecosystem will reinforce Odisha’s importance in strategic minerals and advanced manufacturing. He added that the state is also becoming a promising destination in India’s semiconductor journey.“One of the things I am very proud of is our Govt’s success against Left-Wing Extremism,” Modi wrote, adding that the NDA govt has focused both on eliminating Maoism and ensuring dignity for those affected by LWE. Odisha, he said, understands the importance of this as LWE violence had long slowed the state’s development.The PM praised chief minister Majhi as well. “I would also like to express my appreciation for you and the Odisha Govt for the exceptional work you have been doing over the last two years. The people have placed immense faith in this team and I am confident no stone will be left unturned to fulfil their dreams,” Modi wrote.With Odisha completing 100 years as a state in a decade from now, Modi urged the chief minister to plan for what more can be achieved collectively for the state’s progress.
