BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday apologised for his recent remarks linking former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik with the CIA, which had sparked a political row.Dubey, in a post on X, said, “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 Biju Patnaik, a former Chief Minister and one of India’s leading leaders.”Stressing that it was his personal view, Dubey said that Patnaik has always been and will remain a towering statesman. “My thoughts on Nehruji were misconstrued as being about Biju Babu… If my statement has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I unconditionally apologise,” Dubey said.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the people of Odisha on ‘Utkala Dibasa’ in a letter to Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, hailing the state’s rich cultural heritage, historic legacy and rising role in India’s growth story, while paying tribute to former CM Biju Patnaik as a symbol of courage and an enduring inspiration for nation-building.The Prime Minister’s mention of Biju Patnaik comes amid the controversy triggered by Dubey’s remark, which drew sharp reactions and forced the BJP to field senior leader Baijayant Jay Panda to tick-off Dubey.In his letter, 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.”Highlighting the contribution of Odia people across sectors, Modi said they have excelled in trade and commerce, academia, research, sports and the arts. He added that the Centre has taken steps to improve the lives of tribal communities through flagship initiatives, particularly the PM-JANMAN scheme, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable sections.He further noted that the NDA government is supporting Odisha’s emergence as a major maritime and industrial hub through port-led development, including expansion around Paradip Port, upcoming LNG terminals at Paradip and Gopalpur, and projects such as Bahuda Port and the Mahanadi riverine shipbuilding initiative. Modi also pointed to the growing popularity of fisheries in the state, recalling a mention of an Odia fish farmer in his Mann Ki Baat address.Emphasising future growth, the Prime Minister said the proposed Dedicated Rare Earth Corridor and efforts to build a domestic rare-earth permanent magnet manufacturing ecosystem would strengthen Odisha’s position in strategic minerals and advanced manufacturing. He added that the state is steadily emerging as a promising destination in India’s semiconductor journey, with recent approvals reflecting confidence in its high-technology and future-ready manufacturing potential.Modi also expressed pride in the government’s success in tackling Left-Wing Extremism, referring to a recent Parliament address by Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlining the progress made on this front. He appreciated the Odisha government’s efforts to strengthen “Odia Asmita” and preserve and promote the state’s language, culture and heritage.