NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s Office(PMO) sought explanation from Deputy Union Minister V Muraleedharan on PR agency proprietor Smita Menon’s participation in the meeting of foreign ministers held in Abu Dhabi. The PMO query came on the heels of complaint that, the Deputy Minister for External Affairs had breached protocols by letting the lady on visit visa, sit for the high-level ministerial meeting. In the matter, the Undersecretary to External Affairs Ministry, Arun Chattergee, has been asked to inquire and submit a report to the prime minister’s office.
In 2019, Smita Menon, who was not even an ordinary delegate in official capacity, made her appearance at a meeting meant for foreign ministers and high-level officials from over 22 countries. Lokthanrik Janta Dal leader Salim Madvur was among the first to complain on the woman’s curious presence at Abu Dhabi’s ministerial meeting.
Incidentally, Smita was named in the list of office bearers for Women’s Yuva Morcha wing recently and appointed as its General Secretary. A major question people are pondering is, how does an individual not known to even party seniors, get to become the head of Mahila Yuva Morcha ?
In the Abu Dhabi incident, Smita’s attendance is also being pointed out as grave security lapse. The occurrence is also alleged as violation of diplomatic protocols.
