Internal Friction Erupts in Odisha BJP Over MP’s Daughter’s Social Media Post
The Odisha BJP faces internal backlash after Archita Sachin Rahar allegedly celebrated Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on social media. Party leaders have demanded an apology from Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi following her daughter’s controversial Instagram story.
Social Media Post Triggers Diplomatic Crisis
A digital update by Archita Sachin Rahar, daughter of two-time Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, has ignited a firestorm within the Odisha BJP. The Instagram post featured a photograph of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan set against the national flag, accompanied by text stating, “Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid massive student protests over NEET leak fiasco.”
While the lawmaker’s daughter appeared to mark the development, the state party apparatus moved quickly to distance itself from the sentiment. Most BJP leaders expressed public sympathy for Pradhan, characterizing the situation as a moment of professional hardship rather than one for celebration.
Demands for Accountability and Family Oversight
Internal friction intensified as local leaders questioned the discipline within Sarangi’s household. BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan issued a sharp rebuke, highlighting the MP’s non-native roots. “Mr. Pradhan is a son of the soil. His resignation has hurt us,” he stated, adding that the people of Odisha had welcomed Sarangi, who is originally from Bihar, and elected her to office twice. He further insisted that Sarangi must maintain better oversight of her family members and urged her to tender a formal apology to the state for her daughter’s adverse remarks.
Failed Attempts at Damage Control
The controversy persisted despite reported attempts to scrub the post from the internet. Key takeaways from the internal fallout include:
- Dharmendra Pradhan’s office reportedly contacted MP Aparajita Sarangi directly regarding the Instagram update.
- Following the call, Sarangi instructed her daughter to delete the post, though the directive failed to prevent widespread circulation and subsequent outrage.
- The Bhubaneswar MP remained unavailable for direct comment as the criticism from her colleagues mounted.
The incident highlights a rare public rift among Odisha’s saffron party leadership, as the fallout from the NEET examination controversy continues to impact high-level political dynamics.
Source: The Hindu — Home
