Controversy over PBD honour to Parikh

The choice of Parikh, considered a close friend of Gujarat CM, for the honour has raised the controversy for his alleged links with the VHP.

The Centre on Friday sought to steer clear of the controversy over selection of US-based NRI Sudhir Parikh for this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award, saying it would not like to politicise the issue.

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The choice of Sudhir Parikh, considered a close friend of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, for the honour has raised the controversy for his alleged links with Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

The Pravasi Samman awards will be presented to 15 prominent personalities by President APJ Abdul Kalam on January nine, the concluding day of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

"There is a committee for making the selections. The names will then be approved by the President. They will be announced at the event," the Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Oscar Fernandes told reporters here on the eve of PBD.