Security guard ties shoelaces of Orissa minister

Orissa’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) minister Jogendra Behera on Monday courted controversy when his personal security guard was caught on the camera tying his shoelaces at the Independence Day ceremony held in Keonjhar stadium, 250 km from here.

The incident occurred in the morning when Mr Behera reached the stadium and approached the flag-post to unfurl the tricolour.

The security guard first untied Mr Behera’s shoelaces and then later tied them again after the minister hoisted the flag.

Many of the security personnel deployed at the venue resented the fact that their colleague had to tie Mr Behera’s shoelaces.

When the press asked the minister about the incident, he was initially evasive, saying no such thing happened. After reporters told him that they had visuals of the security guard tying and untying his shoelaces, the minister admitted that it did indeed happen.

He, however, did not appear apologetic about making a government employee do such work.

“I’m a VIP. What is the wrong if the security guard who has been entrusted to look after me ties my shoe laces ” asked the minister.