Thiruvananthapuram : Union Deputy Minister, V Muraleedharan, had facilitated PR agency owner Smita Menon’s participation at the Abu Dhabi meeting by including her in the official delegates’ list - a manipulation evident from a YouTube video released by External Affairs Ministry. In the footage, Smita is seen seated close behind Union Deputy Minister V Muraleedharan on the dais discounting the lies that she attended the meeting in capacity of a news person.
Smita, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on visit visa, was included in the official delegates’ list - a serious breach of protocols on part of Muraleedharan. The video further shows Smita idly watching Muraleedharan from her seat in the row behind, as he delivers his speech on the occasion - a demeanor that clearly crumbles Muraleedharan’s claim that she was reporting the event..
The video was uploaded on 8th of November, 2019 and has been now released after BJP’s central leadership looked up the matter with grave concern. The leadership made its own assessment and is of the view that Muraleedharan had breached protocols and his oath of office, by his act at overseas meeting meant for foreign ministers and diplomats from across 20 countries. It further considers the incident to be a taint on India’s repute on the world stage.
When controversy snowballed, Muraleedharan defended himself claiming Smita Menon was a media person and hence her participation was permissible by all means. The demeanor at the dais in the YouTube video however beats that argument.
The Prime Minister’s Office has asked the External Affairs Ministry for a complete report on the alleged violation. And, the video footage is likely to be attached to substantiate findings on the matter.
