Odisha minister Jogendra Behera on Monday made his personal security officer untie and tie his shoe strap in full public view at an Independence Day celebration where the politician hoisted the national flag. After footage of the incident went viral on social media and attracted criticism, Behera defended himself saying, "I am a VIP," reported ANI.

The state's minister for micro, small and medium enterprise also said, "Well, I have hoisted the flag, he [the personal security officer] did not." Opposition leaders seized the opportunity and accused him of insensitive and discriminatory behavior. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Biswabhusan Harichandan said, "The minister should treat everyone equally. This happened in front of so many people, what message will people get?"

The ruling Biju Janata Dal, however, defended its Cabinet minister citing health reasons for the latter's action, NDTV reported. Party leader Suryanarayan Patra said, "He is old and has problem in his knees. He could not strap the sandals on his own, so the officer helped him. They share a father-son like relationship."