Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi's daughter, Archita Sachin Rahar, sparked controversy by celebrating Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on Instagram. Her post, featuring Pradhan's photo against the national flag, stated, 'Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid massive student protests over NEET leak fiasco.' The post drew sharp criticism from Odisha BJP leaders, who deemed it unacceptable within a disciplined party.
The Controversial Post
Rahar's Instagram story quickly circulated on social media, highlighting Pradhan's resignation following widespread student protests over the NEET-UG exam leak. The post was seen as a direct challenge to party discipline, as Pradhan is a senior BJP leader from Odisha. Her mother, Sarangi, while unavailable for comment, had her office assistant Dhaneswar Barik defend the post, stating, 'Everyone has the right to express their views. Her daughter, who is from Gen Z, said she stands by her statement. She has the right to speak her mind.' When asked if the post could trouble the MP, Barik added, 'Only time will tell.'
Party Backlash and Calls for Apology
Jagannath Pradhan, a BJP candidate who lost the 2024 Bhubaneswar Central assembly election, criticized Sarangi for not controlling her family. '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 said. He demanded that Sarangi apologize to Odisha for her daughter's remarks. Another senior BJP leader echoed this, stating, 'The BJP is a family and all the members should stand by the other when he or she is in trouble. Sarangi’s daughter going against a party leader is not acceptable in a disciplined party like the BJP.'
Daughter Refuses to Delete Post
Sources revealed that Sarangi asked Rahar to remove the post after receiving a call from Pradhan's office. However, Rahar refused. In a subsequent Instagram story, she wrote, 'Also, to DP’s PA who is sure to text my mother asking me to delete my previous story (it has happened before) – Don’t bother. I won’t delete. Jai Jagannath! Jai Hind!' Her defiance escalated the controversy, drawing widespread discussion on social media platforms.
Mother's Public Statement
Sarangi later issued a statement on X, expressing support for Pradhan. 'Sri @dpradhanbjp ji has tendered his resignation today. Resigning after owning moral responsibility calls for a lot of courage. I stand by him in this very difficult time. I wish for him the best for the days to come. May Lord Jagannath shower HIS Blessings upon him,' she posted. The statement appeared to distance herself from her daughter's earlier remarks, but the damage had been done within party ranks.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights generational and disciplinary tensions within the BJP. Pradhan's resignation, which he offered to take moral responsibility for the NEET leak, has been a sensitive issue for the party in Odisha. As a two-time MP from Bhubaneswar, Sarangi now faces criticism from both party colleagues and opponents. The episode is likely to fuel debates on party loyalty and the role of social media among political families.
