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**Summary:**

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha, India, is facing a political crisis after a party leader, Jagannath Pradhan, was arrested for allegedly conspiring to attack a senior government official. The incident, coupled with the recent Rath Yatra stampede and gang-rape incidents, has tarnished the party’s image. Public outrage, including mass leave by government officials, has forced the BJP to distance itself from Pradhan despite initial signs of support. The opposition, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is capitalizing on the situation, accusing the BJP of mismanaging the state. Senior BJP leaders, including Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, have condemned the attack and called for strict punishment, while the party has suspended five members.

**News Article:**

**Odisha BJP Grapples with Fallout After Leader Arrested in Official’s Assault**

**BHUBANESWAR, INDIA – July 5, 2025** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha is facing a severe test after a party leader, Jagannath Pradhan, was arrested for allegedly orchestrating an attack on a senior official of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and threatens to undermine the newly installed Mohan Majhi government.

Pradhan’s arrest followed demands from Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers, who took mass leave, crippling the state’s bureaucracy. The OAS insisted on Pradhan’s arrest as a non-negotiable condition to resuming work.

Initially, there were indications that Pradhan had received support from within the BJP leadership. However, facing mounting public pressure and criticism, both state and central BJP units have since distanced themselves from the leader.

“It takes courage to admit a mistake,” said Bhubaneswar MP and BJP spokesperson Aparajita Sarangi, condemning the assault. “Had my own son been involved, I would have called the police.”

The incident has provided ammunition for the opposition, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has accused the BJP of overseeing a decline in law and order and mismanaging the recent Rath Yatra, which resulted in the deaths of three devotees due to a stampede.

While the State BJP has suspended five members, including a corporator, they have yet to make a statement about Pradhan.

The BJP’s handling of this crisis will be critical in maintaining public trust and ensuring stability in the state.

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