Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Nishikant Dubey Demands Apology From Ex-Finance Secretary Garg
Nishikant Dubey is a BJP politician who is angry about comments made by former government official Subhash Chandra Garg.
Garg made the comments during a long podcast.
Dubey says the comments wrongly portrayed him as someone who pressures people for favors.
He also objects to being described as a “blackmailing kind of person.”
Dubey has sent Garg a legal notice.
He wants Garg to apologize in both Hindi and English.
He also wants the podcast comments and related clips removed.
Dubey says Garg has seven days to respond.
If Garg does not comply, Dubey says he may pursue criminal and civil legal action.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey sent former finance secretary Subhash Chandra Garg a defamation notice over remarks made on a podcast.
Dubey demanded an unconditional apology in Hindi and English, withdrawal of the allegations, and removal of related podcast content.
The notice alleges Garg called Dubey a “blackmailing kind of person” and accused him of lobbying the LIC chairman.
Garg said on the podcast that Dubey had brought files or matters to him that he perceived as advocacy for corporate interests.
Dubey gave Garg seven days to comply and threatened criminal defamation and civil proceedings if he did not.
- Who
- BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and former finance secretary Subhash Chandra Garg.
- What
- Dubey issued a defamation notice demanding an apology, withdrawal of allegations, and removal of podcast content.
- When
- The notice was reported five days after Garg shared the podcast; Dubey issued his seven-day ultimatum on Monday evening.
- Where
- The dispute concerns statements made on Garg’s podcast and a notice posted from New Delhi; Dubey represents Godda in Jharkhand.
- Why
- Dubey says Garg made defamatory allegations about his conduct and alleged approach to the LIC chairman.
Nishikant Dubey’s Position
Subhash Chandra Garg’s Position
Characterization of Dubey’s conduct
Nishikant Dubey’s Position
Dubey rejects the allegation that he is a “blackmailing kind of person” and says the statement is defamatory.
Subhash Chandra Garg’s Position
Garg reportedly described Dubey in those terms during the podcast.
Purpose of Dubey’s interaction with officials
Nishikant Dubey’s Position
Dubey disputes the implication that he approached Garg to pressure the LIC chairman to obtain a favor.
Subhash Chandra Garg’s Position
Garg said Dubey had brought files or matters to him that Garg perceived as lobbying or advocacy for corporate interests.
Wider economic dispute
Nishikant Dubey’s Position
Dubey’s notice follows an escalating exchange over Garg’s public criticism of India’s GDP figures and methodology.
Subhash Chandra Garg’s Position
Garg has challenged the government’s reported GDP growth and alleged that the methodology for earlier calculations was changed.
- Main parties
- Nishikant Dubey and Subhash Chandra Garg
- Dubey’s demand
- An unconditional written apology in Hindi and English
- Deadline
- Seven days
- Disputed description
- Garg allegedly called Dubey a “blackmailing kind of person”
- Other disputed allegation
- Garg allegedly said Dubey approached the finance secretary to pressure the LIC chairman
- Legal threat
- Criminal defamation under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and civil proceedings for damages
- Garg’s former roles
- Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs from July 2017 to July 2019 and finance secretary from March to June 2019