BJP MP Nishikant Dubey apologised for saying that ex-Odisha CM Biju Patnaik "served as a link between the US, CIA, and ex-PM Jawaharlal Nehru" during 1962 war. He said, "Biju Babu has always been...a towering statesman for us...If my statement has hurt anyone's sentiments...I unconditionally apologise." Dubey's remarks sparked a controversy, with Biju Patnaik's son, Naveen Patnaik, slamming him.