BJP MP's Daughter's Post on Pradhan's Resignation Sparks Party Uproar in Odisha
A social media post by Archita Sachin Rahar, daughter of Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, has stirred controversy within the Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The post, shared on Instagram, featured a photograph of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan with the national flag in the background and caption stating, “Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid massive student protests over NEET leak fiasco.”
Ms. Rahar's post came shortly after Mr. Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet, a decision linked to ongoing student protests over irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). While some social media users interpreted the post as celebrating the resignation, state BJP leaders voiced disapproval, expressing sympathy for Mr. Pradhan.
Ms. Sarangi, a two-time MP from Bhubaneswar, was not available for comment. Sources indicate that she was asked by Mr. Pradhan’s office to have the post removed, but the request did not lead to its deletion.
BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan criticised Ms. Rahar's actions, stating, “Mr. Pradhan is son of the soil. His resignation has hurt us. Odias have welcomed the daughter of Bihar [Aparajita] and made her MP twice.” He added, “Ms. Sarangi should have control over her family members. She should tender an apology to Odisha for her daughter making adverse remarks against Mr. Pradhan.”
The incident highlights internal tensions within the state BJP, where loyalty to regional leaders like Mr. Pradhan remains strong. Mr. Pradhan, a prominent OBC face from Odisha, has been a key figure in the party's state organisation.
The NEET leak controversy has been a source of political friction, with opposition parties demanding accountability. Mr. Pradhan's resignation was seen by many as a step to take moral responsibility, though the government maintained that the decision was unrelated to the protests.
As the matter unfolds, the party is expected to address the issue internally to prevent further discord. The episode also raises questions about the boundaries of family members' public expressions on political matters.
