Odisha minister Jogendra Behera slammed after his security officer was seen helping him strap his sandals
Highlights
- Jogendra Behera's security officer was seen helping him strap his sandals
- Incident happened during Independence Day event, was caught on camera
- Minister says 'I am a VIP', criticized by opposition and others
After huge outrage over his 'VIP' comment for allowing a personal security officer to strap his shoes after unfurling the national flag at an Independence Day function on Monday, Odisha minister Jogendra Behera today backtracked and blamed poor health for his actions.
"My left leg is in a lot of pain, I can't bend, hence the personal security officer volunteered to tie my shoelaces. He is like my son," the minister said today.
Yesterday, the minister had allowed his personal security officer to strap his shoes at a function in Odisha's Keonjhar and said repeatedly, "I am a VIP", reacting to the backlash.
"Well, I have hoisted the flag, he (the personal security officer) did not," explained Odisha's state's minister for micro, small and medium enterprise yesterday, after local television channels aired footage of the shoe incident.
There were hundreds of people present at the function, when the security officer bent over and strapped the shoes of Mr Behera, the chief guest. The minister, dressed in white kurta pyjama, stood looking the other way, clearly expecting the favour.
The Biju Janata Dal government of Naveen Patnaik is being criticised by opposition parties and others for the incident.
"The minister should treat everyone equally. This happened in front of so many people, what message will people get," said Biswabhushan Harichandan of the BJP.
The incident and the subsequent statement of the minister was also slammed on social media, with some demanding that he be sacked.