Vinod Arya is a former Indian politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttarakhand. He gained prominence through his involvement in the swadeshi ayurveda business and held several positions within the party and state government.
Political Career
- Party Affiliation: Vinod Arya was a member of the BJP and served on the national executive of the party’s OBC Morcha.
- Government Positions: He held the position of Chairman of the Uttarakhand Mati Kala Board, which conferred upon him the rank of a state minister. His appointment was largely attributed to his business background and proximity to senior party leaders, rather than a significant grassroots support base.
Business Ventures
- Swadeshi Ayurveda: Vinod Arya was known for running the Swadeshi Ayurveda firm, which played a role in his political ascent.
Family and Controversies
- Pulkit Arya: Vinod Arya’s younger son, Pulkit Arya, owned the Vanantra Resort in Uttarakhand. In September 2022, Pulkit was arrested along with two employees for the murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. The case garnered significant public attention and outrage.
- Ankit Arya: His elder son, Ankit Arya, served as the Vice Chairman of the Uttarakhand OBC Welfare Commission. Following the arrest of Pulkit, both Vinod and Ankit were expelled from the BJP, and Ankit was removed from his government position.
Legal Issues
- Expulsion from BJP: In response to the public outcry over the Ankita Bhandari murder case, the BJP expelled Vinod Arya and his son Ankit from the party in September 2022.
- Criminal Allegations: In December 2022, Vinod Arya was accused by his driver of attempted sodomy, assault, and threats. A case was registered against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 377 (unnatural offences) and 307 (attempt to murder).
Current Status
As of May 2025, Vinod Arya remains expelled from the BJP and is facing legal proceedings related to the allegations made by his former driver. His son, Pulkit Arya, was convicted for the murder of Ankita Bhandari, with sentencing pending.
Vinod Arya’s trajectory from a businessman to a political figure, and his subsequent fall from grace due to familial and personal controversies, highlights the complex interplay between business, politics, and accountability in public life.