BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi Writes to Odisha CM, Claims Mob Detained Her for Two Hours

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi, claimed she was detained for two hours by a group of individuals in the Laxmisagar area within her Lok Sabha constituency.

Expressing her discontent, Sarangi penned a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday, questioning the alleged lack of security provided during her visits.

Yesterday night I was detained for two hours in Bhubaneswar by a few miscreants. My time was wasted.

Can Hon'ble @CMO_Odisha car be stopped for even 5 mts?

Will CM compensate for my lost time?

Wrote to him asking for his answer.

This is the law & order status here.

SHAME! pic.twitter.com/PjwB7W0znW

— Aparajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament (@AprajitaSarangi) December 26, 2023

In the letter, Sarangi detailed the incident, stating that she had gone to ward no. 43 upon residents’ invitation for a meeting. However, her car was obstructed by anti-social elements, preventing her from reaching the meeting spot on Monday evening. She waited in her car for two hours for the police to intervene.

The MP highlighted the malicious intent she perceived, noting that she was detained while more than 200 people were awaiting her in her office for public grievances. Sarangi sought answers from the state government on how they would compensate for her lost time.

She emphasized the equality of everyone’s time and questioned whether the CM’s motorcade could be halted even for five minutes on the road.

During the incident, a minor scuffle occurred between Sarangi’s supporters and those protesting her visit. Prompt police intervention brought the situation under control. Subsequently, the police escorted the MP to the meeting venue, where she engaged with the residents.

BJP spokesperson Dilip Mallick condemned the incident, claiming that the MP was forcibly detained, deeming it a shameful incident for the state government. The ruling BJD party is yet to respond to the allegations.