Patnaik clears air on woman accompanying him to Vatican
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has clarified the presence of a woman accompanying him during his visit to Vatican City last year. Amid questions and speculation from the opposition, Patnaik explained that the woman, named Shradha, is his physiotherapist.
In his clarification, the Chief Minister stated that Shradha is a physiotherapist who was sent to take care of his physical fitness by his late sister, Gita Mehta. He further clarified that the government had not allocated government quarters to Shradha, nor had her travel expenses been covered by the Government of Odisha.
Patnaik urged that the time in the legislative session should be focused on debating issues of public interest, emphasizing the need to address important matters rather than engage in discussions regarding his personal affairs. This statement aims to put to rest any concerns or speculations surrounding the presence of the physiotherapist during his official visit.
The opposition BJP had raised the issue of the “mysterious woman accompanying the CM” both within and outside the legislative assembly after photographs and videos of their visit to Vatican City in June last year surfaced on social media. Leader of the Opposition, Jaynarayan Mishra of the BJP, initially raised the issue during a session in the assembly. However, due to disruptions and noise in the House, his statement was not officially recorded.
Mishra sought to obtain information about the identity of Shradha and alleged that she had been allocated a government residence. The opposition’s concerns and questions about the woman accompanying the Chief Minister had sparked public and political interest, leading to a clarification from Naveen Patnaik regarding her role as his physiotherapist and her personal arrangements during the visit.
The allegations and questions raised by the opposition BJP revolved around the presence of Shradha during Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit to Vatican City in June 2022. It was reported that the CM was in Italy at the invitation of the World Food Programme, and his official delegation included his private secretary V K Pandian during his meeting with Pope Francis.
However, concerns arose when videos and photographs emerged on social media showing Shradha greeting the Pope after Naveen Patnaik and Pandian had met him. This led to questions and speculations about Shradha’s role during the visit and her relationship with the Chief Minister, prompting Kalahandi’s BJP MP Basanta Panda and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi to seek clarification on the matter. These developments highlight the significance of transparency and accountability in public affairs, especially in cases where there may be public interest or scrutiny.
Aparajita Sarangi, the Bhubaneswar MP from the BJP, expressed concerns and raised questions about the presence of the “mysterious woman” accompanying Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his visit to Vatican City. Sarangi highlighted that when Leader of Opposition Jaynarayan Mishra and senior MP Basanta Panda sought clarification about this woman’s identity and her unhindered access to Naveen Nivas (the CM’s residence), they were labeled as “mad” by BJD spokesmen.
Aparajita Sarangi’s comments underscore the significance of transparency and accountability in matters concerning public officials and their well-being. When there are questions or concerns about the presence and role of individuals accompanying government officials, especially Chief Ministers, it is essential to provide clear and truthful information to address these issues.
Sarangi’s emphasis on transparency reflects the democratic principle that elected representatives have a responsibility to seek information and clarity on matters of public interest. In this case, the questions raised pertain to the selection process for the therapist, the nature of the therapy being provided, and the reasons for her presence during official visits. These inquiries aim to ensure that public officials are receiving appropriate care and that their actions are in line with ethical and transparent standards.
Ultimately, transparency and accountability contribute to public trust and confidence in government institutions and officials, which are fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society. Elected representatives play a crucial role in upholding these principles on behalf of their constituents.
