IAS officer Smita Sabharwal responds to criticism for sitting cross-legged in meeting with Minister Seethakka

13-03-2024 Wed 13:42 | Local | Ap7am Desk

Hyderabad: IAS officer Smita Sabharwal has put an end to the trolls criticizing her for sitting cross-legged in a meeting with Minister Seethakka, declaring it as nothing more than a media creation. She clarified that she sits in whatever way she finds comfortable. Asserting her age as 47, she argued that at her age, nobody should dictate how one should sit or stand, indicating that there is no actual controversy. She criticized the media for fueling the controversy, suggesting that a photographer's click led to unwarranted trolling.

The Controversy Explained

The controversy began after the Congress government came to power in the state and Smita Sabharwal had her first meeting with Minister Seethakka. Pictures of her sitting cross-legged in front of the minister went viral on social media, leading to criticism and questions about her respect for an Adivasi leader, labeling it as arrogance.

"If There Were Such Rules, I Would Change My Ways"

Responding to the criticism in a recent interview, Smita Sabharwal dismissed the trolls, stating her sitting posture is just her personal choice and not meant to disrespect. She sarcastically mentioned that if the constitution specified how one should sit, she would be willing to change her ways. She emphasized that respect should be accorded to one's profession and authority, highlighting the misplaced focus of the controversy.