Nehru Gave Odisha‘s Charbatia Airport to US in 1963: Dubey
You know how Indian politics loves digging up old drama? Well, here’s the latest scoop—BJP MP Nishikant Dubey just dropped a bombshell. He claims Jawaharlal Nehru straight-up “gifted” Odisha’s Charbatia Airport to the US back in 1963. Yeah, you heard that right. And of course, it’s got everyone arguing all over again about Nehru’s choices. But here’s the real question: is there any truth to it, or is this just another political jab? Let’s break it down.
Who’s Nishikant Dubey, Anyway?
If you follow Indian politics, you’ve probably seen Dubey’s name pop up—usually with some fiery statement attached. The guy’s a BJP MP from Jharkhand, and he’s got a reputation for not holding back, especially when it comes to bashing Congress. He’s gone after Nehru before—Kashmir, China, you name it. And honestly? It’s no surprise. The BJP’s been rewriting history bits for a while now, and Dubey’s just playing his part.
So, What’s the Big Claim?
Dubey says Nehru handed Charbatia Airport over to the Americans during the Cold War. Like, just gave it away. No strings attached. Now, here’s the thing—India was technically “non-aligned” back then, playing both sides. So if there was a deal, it was probably hush-hush. But a full-on gift? That’s a stretch.
Charbatia Airport: A Quick Backstory
This place wasn’t exactly a bustling hub. The British used it as an airbase in WWII, and after independence, it kinda just… sat there. Sure, the US might’ve used it for some spy flights during the ’60s—Cold War stuff, you know? But leased, not owned. Big difference.
Wait, But Was It Really a “Gift”?
Let’s be real—nobody’s found a signed paper saying “Happy Cold War, here’s an airport!” Experts say the US probably had access under some mutual agreement. Temporary, reversible, all that. Not exactly a handover. But hey, nuance doesn’t make headlines, right?
How’s Everyone Reacting?
The BJP’s not officially backing Dubey’s claim, but you’ll see plenty of party folks nodding along. Congress? They’re rolling their eyes, calling it nonsense. And the media? Split down the middle—some treating it like breaking news, others like election-season noise.
This Isn’t the First Time Nehru’s Choices Got Flak
Kashmir. The ’62 China war. The BJP’s been picking at Nehru’s legacy for ages. Dubey’s just adding fuel to the fire. But historians hate this stuff—turning complex history into soundbites for votes.
Okay, But Where’s the Proof?
Short answer: there isn’t any. Declassified docs show the US used Indian bases for surveillance, sure. But “gifted”? Nah. Dubey’s spinning a tall tale, and it’s working—because controversy sticks.
Why Should You Care?
Because history isn’t just facts—it’s stories that shape how we see things today. And when politicians twist those stories? It matters. The BJP’s banking on this to chip away at Congress’s past while pumping up their own “nationalist” cred. Classic move.
Bottom Line
Dubey’s claim? Thin as paper. But it keeps Nehru in the crosshairs, and that’s the point. Cold War deals were messy, but calling them “gifts” is just drama. As voters, our job’s to see through the noise.
FAQs
Did Nehru really give Charbatia Airport to the US?
No hard proof. Probably just Cold War-era access deals.
What was Charbatia Airport used for in 1963?
Mostly spy flights—US keeping tabs on the USSR, that whole scene.
Why is Nishikant Dubey targeting Nehru?
Same reason BJP always does—it’s good politics to trash Congress’s golden boy.
Are there other instances of Nehru’s decisions being questioned?
Oh, constantly. Kashmir and the China war are the big ones.
How can I verify these claims independently?
Hit up archives, read historians, and for god’s sake—don’t just trust Twitter threads.
Source: Navbharat Times – Default
