The screenshots were so far not independently verified. (Photo: X)
New Delhi: The political controversy over the CJP-led student protests has drifted over to social media again, this time due to a supposedly Instagram post by Odisha BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi's daughter Archita Sachin Rahar, which went viral as soon as it surfaced. The post was mentioned after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on his own taking the heat over the NEET paper leak scam.
As per screenshots seen on social media, Archita Sachin Rahar posted a photo of the former Union minister after which she wrote something related to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, saying he had stepped down after large scale student protests over NEET paper leaks.
Another screenshot that was widely circulated, said "My family is with DP but I am with students." The post was seen trending after it was posted to social media, with a lot of users believing it was supportive of the CJP-led student protests demanding accountability for the whole scandal.
The screenshots were so far not independently verified.
Amid the online controversy, several reports claimed that Rahar's Instagram account was no longer visible on the platform and may have been taken down. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding whether the account was removed, deactivated or made private.
The alleged posts reportedly drew criticism from sections of the BJP in Odisha. Responding to the controversy, Aparajita Sarangi's office said Rahar was entitled to express her personal views.
"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," Sarangi's office assistant, Dhaneswar Barik, told PTI over the phone.
The online discussion intensified after several users claimed that members of Dharmendra Pradhan's team had asked Aparajita Sarangi to ensure the post was deleted. Some social media handles further claimed that there has been a follow up post from Rahar herself, with the details of the request and repeat of her stance.
These claims have not been fact checked independently and there has also been no formal statement from Dharmendra Pradhan and CJP office regarding the ghost viral posts.
CJP rally has been a hot topic in the spirit of politics even after Pradhan's resignation, and the videos claiming the alleged social media posts added the social media element to the philosophical debate.
