Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Keonjhar, Aug 15:

An Odisha Minister today courted controversy after he justified the act where his Personal Security Officer (PSO) was seen fastening the ankle strap of his sandal saying that “I am a VIP”.

jogendra behera sandal strap

State MSME minister Jogendra Behera’s PSO was caught on tape fastening former’s sandal straps on stage during Independence Day celebrations here today.

Interestingly, Behera was seen gracefully putting forward his legs and the security officer bending to offer his services. The incident took place moments before Behera— the chief guest— was about to take guard of honour during the I-Day parade.

Unaware about the incident being captured by the lensmen present at the venue, the ruling party’s Loisinga MLA initially refuted that any such incident took place. Later he justified the act saying he is a VIP and not his PSO.

“He is not a VIP… I myself am a VIP. I have hoisted the flag, not him,” an insistent Jogendra Behera quipped.

However, the Minister had to eat his words later and claimed that he has problem in his knees for which he was unable to put his sandals on.