Noted writer-filmmaker Gita Mehta who is also the sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declined the Padma Shri award citing the timing of the awards, which comes just ahead of the general elections in India, might be misconstrued.Mehta, 76, was selected for the coveted honour in the category Literature and Education. "I am deeply honoured that the Government of India should think me worthy of a Padma Shri but with great regret I feel I must decline as there is a general election looming and the timing of the award might be misconstrued, causing embarrassment both to the Government and myself, which I would much regret," Mehta said in a press note issued by her today.Meanwhile, when asked, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik refused to comment specifically but congratulating all those who have been conferred with the honour."I congratulate all the Odias who got the Padma award," he said after participating in a function to mark the Republic Day.Union Ministry of Home ...
