Aparajita Sarangi, IAS: Profile, Wiki, Husband, Caste and Family

Aparajita Sarangi, BJP

Aparajita Sarangi is a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for her transition from a distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to politics, she has made significant contributions to public service and governance. Representing Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in the Lok Sabha, Sarangi has emerged as a key figure in Indian politics, particularly in the context of recent political developments and controversies. This article provides an in-depth look at her life, career, family, educational qualifications, and more, along with recent news, controversies, and interesting facts.

Early Life and Family Background

Aparajita Sarangi was born on October 8, 1969, in Bihar, India. She hails from a family with a strong inclination toward education and public service, which shaped her career choices. Her early years were marked by a focus on academics, which eventually led her to pursue a career in civil services.

Family Details

• Husband: Santosh Kumar Sarangi, a retired IAS officer from the Odisha cadre. The couple has worked together in various administrative capacities during their bureaucratic careers.
• Children: Aparajita and Santosh have one son, who has largely stayed out of the public eye, reflecting the family's preference for privacy in personal matters.

Her family background, rooted in Bihar, and her professional life in Odisha highlight her diverse cultural and regional connections, which have influenced her political and administrative approach.

Educational Qualifications

Aparajita Sarangi's academic journey is a testament to her dedication and intellectual prowess. She pursued her education with a focus on social sciences, which later aligned with her career in public administration.

• Bachelor's Degree: She completed her graduation in Economics from an esteemed institution in India.
• Master's Degree: Sarangi holds a Master's degree in Sociology, which provided her with a deep understanding of societal dynamics, a skill she later applied in her administrative and political roles.
• Civil Services Preparation: Her academic background, coupled with rigorous preparation, enabled her to clear the UPSC examination, securing a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1994.

Her educational qualifications have been instrumental in her ability to address complex governance challenges, both as an IAS officer and as a politician.

Career Graph: From IAS to Politics

Aparajita Sarangi's career is a blend of administrative excellence and political leadership. Her journey reflects her commitment to public service and her ability to adapt to changing roles.

IAS Career (1994–2018)

• Early Postings: Sarangi joined the IAS in 1994 as part of the Odisha cadre. She served in various districts of Odisha, including as District Collector in Khurda, Koraput, and Bargarh. Her work focused on rural development, education, and healthcare.
• Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC): As Commissioner of the BMC, she spearheaded urban development initiatives, improving infrastructure and civic amenities in Bhubaneswar.
• Central Deputation: In 2013, she was deputed to the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, as Joint Secretary. She played a key role in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), focusing on rural employment and poverty alleviation.
• Other Key Roles: Sarangi also served as Secretary in departments such as School Education, Panchayati Raj, and Textiles in the Odisha government, where she implemented policies to enhance education and local governance.

Political Career (2018–Present)

• Joining BJP: In 2018, Aparajita Sarangi resigned from the IAS and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking her entry into politics. Her decision was driven by a desire to contribute to national development on a larger scale.
• Lok Sabha Elections 2019: She contested the 2019 general elections from Bhubaneswar and won with a significant margin, defeating her opponent from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
• Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Sarangi retained her seat in the 2024 elections, solidifying her position as a strong BJP leader in Odisha.
• Parliamentary Contributions: As a Member of Parliament, she has been actively involved in discussions on governance, women's empowerment, and urban development. She is also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, where she has emphasized the importance of respecting diverse opinions.

Recent News and Developments

Aparajita Sarangi has been in the news for her active participation in parliamentary discussions and her role in key political events. Here are some recent updates:

• Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Sarangi has been a vocal member of the JPC on the Waqf Bill, advocating for an extension of the committee's deadline to the last day of the Budget Session 2025. She has criticized opposition leaders for creating disruptions during JPC meetings and seeking delays in the presentation of the report.
• Praise for PM Modi's Speech: In December 2024, Sarangi lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in Parliament during the discussion on 75 years of the Constitution. She described the speech as "enlightening" and emphasized Modi's focus on upholding constitutional provisions and fostering economic growth.
• 1984 Bag Controversy: In December 2024, Sarangi gifted a bag with "1984" written on it to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Parliament corridor. This gesture was a reference to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and was seen as a political statement. While Priyanka Gandhi accepted the bag, the incident sparked discussions on social media and in political circles.

Controversies Associated with Aparajita Sarangi

While Aparajita Sarangi has maintained a relatively clean public image, she has been involved in a few controversies, particularly in her political career:

• Waqf Bill Tensions: Her role in the JPC on the Waqf Bill has drawn criticism from opposition leaders who accuse the BJP of attempting to interfere with Waqf properties. Sarangi, however, has defended the committee's work, emphasizing its commitment to inclusive discussions.
• 1984 Bag Incident: The gifting of the "1984" bag to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was perceived by some as a provocative move, reigniting debates over historical events. While Sarangi framed it as a reminder of past issues, critics viewed it as an attempt to score political points.
• Allegations of Partisanship: As a former IAS officer, Sarangi's transition to politics has occasionally been scrutinized, with some questioning her shift from a neutral administrative role to active political engagement. However, she has defended her decision, citing her desire to serve the nation in a new capacity.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Aparajita Sarangi

1. From IAS to MP: Sarangi is one of the few IAS officers who successfully transitioned to politics, leveraging her administrative experience to address parliamentary issues.
2. Focus on Rural Development: During her IAS tenure, she played a key role in implementing MGNREGA, focusing on rural employment and poverty alleviation.
3. Bhubaneswar's Transformation: As BMC Commissioner, she contributed to Bhubaneswar's development, earning praise for improving civic amenities.
4. Strong Educational Background: Her degrees in Economics and Sociology have equipped her with a deep understanding of societal and economic challenges.
5. Family of Public Servants: Both Aparajita and her husband, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, are retired IAS officers, making them a unique couple in Indian bureaucracy.
6. Bihar-Odisha Connection: Born in Bihar and serving in Odisha, Sarangi's diverse regional ties have shaped her political and administrative approach.
7. Waqf Bill Advocate: She has been a key member of the JPC on the Waqf Bill, advocating for transparency and inclusivity in discussions.
8. 1984 Bag Gesture: Her gifting of a bag with "1984" written on it to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sparked widespread discussions on social media and in political circles.
9. Modi's Favorite Leader: Sarangi is often regarded as one of PM Modi's preferred leaders from Odisha, given her active participation in BJP's initiatives.
10. Commitment to Women's Empowerment: Throughout her career, she has emphasized women's welfare, education, and empowerment, both as an administrator and as a politician.

Conclusion

Aparajita Sarangi's journey from an IAS officer to a prominent BJP leader is a story of dedication, adaptability, and public service. Her educational qualifications, administrative experience, and political acumen have made her a significant figure in Indian politics. While she has been involved in recent controversies, such as the Waqf Bill discussions and the 1984 bag incident, her contributions to governance and parliamentary debates remain noteworthy. As she continues to represent Bhubaneswar in the Lok Sabha, Sarangi's influence in Odisha and national politics is expected to grow, making her a leader to watch in the coming years.

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