Author Gita Mehta, who is also the sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, declined the Padma Shri award that was conferred to her on the eve of Republic Day. Patnaik, on 24 January said, “My sister has the right to do whatever she desires.”
Mehta reportedly said that she was doing it so that the timing is not misconstrued, given that a general election is looming.
“Deeply honoured that the Government should think me worthy of a Padma Shri but with great regret I decline it as there is a general election looming and timing might be misconstrued, causing embarrassment both to Government and me, which I would much regret.”Gita Mehta
Gita Mehta had been conferred with Padma Shri for Literature and Education on the eve of Republic Day. Former Kendrapara Member of Parliament (MP) Jay Panda had even tweeted his congratulations to Mehta.
‘Respect Mehta’s Views’
JD(U) Secretary General KC Tyagi, while speaking to CNNNews18, said he respects Mehta’s views about the timing of the award.
“Those who have been conferred with Padma Awards deserve it. I respect Geeta Mehta's views on political scenario and timing of the award being given to her,” he said.
Meanwhile, a senior BJD leader told The Indian Express, requesting anonymity, that Mehta is “absolutely right to decline the award, both from an ethical and practical perspective”.
“Accepting the honour would give the ridiculous allegations by Congress further mileage,” the leader added.
(With inputs from ANI and The Indian Express.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)