The state government is unwilling to discuss the condemnation motion on the derogatory remarks against Biju Babu: BJD

Protest against the decision to cancel the Assembly session at midnight

• This is not a “Double Engine” government, but a “Double-Faced” government
• The silence of the state BJP and central BJP leadership on the issue concerning Biju Babu raises serious questions
• The state government should take legal action against Nishikant Dubey to protect Odia identity

Bhubaneswar, 01/04/2026:The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly criticized the state BJP government for abruptly ending the ongoing Assembly session at midnight, despite a formal written demand being submitted yesterday to introduce a condemnation motion in the Assembly regarding the offensive remarks made by BJP MP Shri Nishikant Dubey about Biju Babu. The Speaker had accepted the proposal and assured the House that it would be taken up for discussion.

At a press conference held at SankhaBhawan, Opposition Deputy Leader ShriPrasanna Acharya, Senior Vice-President Shri Debi Prasad Mishra, and Vice-President ShriAtanuSabyasachiNayak termed the state BJP government as “Double-Faced.”

ShriPrasanna Acharya stated that the objectionable and insulting remarks made by BJP MP ShriNishikant Dubey 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 Shri Dubey has not issued any official response, raising questions among citizens.

He further said that during Zero Hour in the Assembly yesterday, members strongly condemned Dubey’s remarks and submitted a proposal to the Speaker for a formal condemnation motion. After discussion, the Speaker accepted it and said the timing of the debate would be decided by the Business Advisory Committee. However, unexpectedly, the Assembly session was adjourned at midnight.

Shri Acharya also pointed out that a tragic fire incident in the ICU of SCB Medical College led to the death of 13 people, yet the government has taken no action. In contrast, during the previous government, a similar fire in a private hospital led to deaths, after which then Health Minister ShriAtanuSabyasachiNayak resigned on moral grounds, and the hospital authorities were arrested. That case is still under trial.

He added that opposition MLAs have been raising this issue in the Assembly and demanding the resignation or removal of the Health Minister. Despite government claims that the Assembly was not functioning due to opposition disruption, the House ran smoothly yesterday with participation in the budget session and appropriation bill. However, after the demand for a condemnation motion on the remarks about Biju Babu, the government likely avoided discussion by prematurely ending the session. This reflects the government’s “Double-Faced” policy.

ShriAtanuSabyasachiNayak questioned why the BJP government, which came to power in the name of Odia identity, is now silent over the insult to Biju Babu, a symbol of that identity. He recalled that in 2018, when Shri Abhijit IyerMitra made controversial remarks hurting Odia sentiments, the Naveen government took strong action, leading to his imprisonment for 44 days. He demanded similar legal action against ShriNishikant Dubey.

He further stated that insulting Biju Babu is equivalent to insulting the entire Odia community and its identity. He urged Chief Minister Shri Mohan Majhi and BJP state president Shri Manmohan Samal to condemn the remarks and demand an unconditional apology from Dubey.

Shri Debi Prasad Mishra said that the lack of official condemnation from the Chief Minister, state BJP, or central BJP suggests a possible conspiracy to undermine the dignity and legacy of a great leader like Biju Babu, and indicates BJP’s involvement.