Odisha Minister Under Fire After Security Officer Straps His Sandals

Bhubaneswar: A state cabinet minister is facing criticism from his own party ranks and the social media after the a security officer straped his sandals, after the flag hoisting ceremony on Monday.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/n4Qlg3HUTWE

In the video that has gone viral, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises minister Jogendra Behera’s sandals were straped by a personal security officer (PSO) while another officer looks on. Behera was the chief guest in the Independence Day celebration at the district headquarter town of Keonjhar and hoisted the tricolour. Social activists termed the incident as “British Mindset”, while others called for sacking of the minister.

The Biju Janata Dal government of Naveen Patnaik is being criticised by opposition parties and others for the incident. However, the minister seemed unfazed by the act and stated “I am a VIP. I have hoisted the flag, he (PSO) has not done it.”