When NDA leaders’ children turned ‘cockroaches’ to back NEET protests

Even after the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET examination irregularities ended on Saturday (July 25), the political ripples continue to be felt online. Viral social media posts purportedly shared by the children of BJP or NDA leaders and supporters have sparked fresh debates over political differences within families and the extent of support the student movement drew across ideological lines.

One of the posts attracting widespread attention is that of Archita Sachin Rahar, daughter of BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi from Odisha. Screenshots purportedly from her Instagram account have gone viral across social media platforms, with one post reading, "My family stands with DP (Dharmendra Pradhan), but I stand with the students." Another screenshot appeared to celebrate calls for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Social media profile taken down?

The posts quickly gained traction, with many social media users citing them as an example of voices from political families backing the students' demands.

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The online buzz intensified after claims surfaced that members of Dharmendra Pradhan's team had allegedly approached Aparajita Sarangi, asking that the posts be removed. According to screenshots shared online, Archita purportedly responded with another Instagram story that read: "For DP's PA, who will probably ask my mother to tell me to delete my previous story — as has happened before — don't bother. I won't delete it. Jai Jagannath! Jai Hind!"

However, the authenticity of these posts could not be independently verified. Adding to the speculation, Archita's Instagram profile is no longer accessible. It remains unclear whether the account was deleted, deactivated or removed.

Online buzz

The developments come days after another political family found itself in the spotlight. Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister and AGP leader Keshab Mahanta's daughter, Dibisa Mahanta, was seen participating in a protest in Guwahati demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and calling for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

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Videos circulating on social media purportedly showed Dibisa raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the demonstration. The authenticity of the clips, however, could not be independently verified.

Responding to the controversy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended his Cabinet colleague, saying parents should not be judged based on the political choices of their adult children.

Personal opinion

A similar sentiment emerged at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where a student participating in the protests identified himself as the son of a sitting BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Delhi. Speaking to reporters with his face mostly covered, he urged people not to view his participation through the lens of his father's political affiliation, saying his stand stemmed from his own experiences with the examination system.

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Earlier in the agitation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's daughter, Divija Fadnavis, had also weighed in on the controversy. While expressing support for students' concerns over examination reforms, she appealed for peaceful protests and urged young people to understand the facts before endorsing any movement or campaign on social media.