Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra has resigned from the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and IT in a fierce protest against "baseless and derogatory" remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey regarding the legendary Biju Patnaik.
Patra submitted his resignation to the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Sunday, defending the former Odisha CM’s towering global legacy. Highlighting Biju Babu’s heroism, Patra noted his pivotal role in:
Rescuing Indonesian freedom fighters during their independence struggle.
Supporting Russian citizens and the Allied cause during World War II.
Strengthening India’s global diplomacy through legendary aviation feats.
“It is deeply unfortunate to link a national icon with such derogatory references,” Patra stated. By stepping down, the BJD spokesperson aims to signal that any insult to the "Tall Man" of Odisha will face immediate and serious political consequences.