Tamil Nadu industries minister S Keerthana on Wednesday hit back at speculation over her absence from chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s London visit , saying comments about a person’s private health should not become a substitute for scrutiny of their public work.
“I have seen the speculation and commentary surrounding my absence. I do not intend to respond to every version of it nor do I wish to make my health a subject of political argument. I believe public life demands accountability. I welcome scrutiny of my decisions, my work and performance. That is part of holding public office.
“Industrial minister has not come for 4 days due to health reasons, says Aadhav Arjuna! Because i believe that a person’s health is a private matter, “I had chosen not to disclose this earlier. What is the explanation regarding those ‘4 days’? Keerthana, who was not part of Vijay’s delegation during his London visit from September 10 to 17, said she had undergone a minor procedure to remove an old medical implant placed following an earlier injury.
Keerthana’s absence from the London visit triggered a row after DMK functionary’s critic Vaishnavi questioned the reference to the minister being away for “four days due to health reasons” and raised menstruation as a possible reason. If it refers to a natural physiological change that occurs for women, like menstruation, then why should it be stated as the reason?” she said, as quoted by the publication. I have always maintained that the public discourse should be about the work of a government, its decisions and its outcomes, rather than speculation about the personal lives or health of individuals,” she said. “Since then I have continued with my responsibilities, engaging with global companies, facilitating investments, supporting new opportunities for Tamil Nadu and working closely with colleagues across government,” she said. Women in public life, in particular, should not have to be choose between privacy and dignity,” she said. her party colleague and Kavundampalayam MLA (Coimbatore) Kanimozhi Santhosh said she met Keerthana at the private healthcare provider in the city after she underwent “collarbone surgery” While the minister did not disclose what health procedure she underwent.
