Author Gita Mehta, who is also the sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.(Photo: Twitter/@kanak_news)

Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 26

The US-based author and sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Gita Mehta, on Saturday declined the Padma Shri citing the timing of the selection on the eve of 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Mehta, who was chosen for her work on the Indian history and culture, said she didn’t want any embarrassment to be caused to herself or the government.

“The timing may be misconstrued as it comes on the eve of 2019 Lok Sabha elections,” she said, expressing regret that she would have to decline the award.

Gita Mehta and her publisher husband Sonny Mehta have documented the Indian history and culture. Gita Mehta was awarded in the category of literature yesterday night.

The Padma awards this year come on the eve of Lok Sabha polls with the BJP all set to put up a strong fight in Odisha which is ruled by Gita Mehta’s brother Naveen Patnaik of the BJD.

The return of the Padma by Mehta caused a flutter on Twitter with people recollecting the 2015 award wapasi controversy, with many saying this time the award was returned by unexpected quarters.

Many Twitter visitors also questioned Mehta’s decision saying “Padma awards are an expression of the honour by the people of India, these awards are given to select few by the people of India and should not be seen as political.”