Behera was the chief guest in the Independence Day celebration at the district headquarter town of Keonjhar and hoisted the tricolour. After unfurling the national flag his PSO was seen tying his shoelaces.
After the local news channels aired the video, the state Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises minister said, "I am a VIP. I have hoisted the flag, he (PSO) has not done it."
The incident and subsequent statement of the minister faced criticism from many quarters including the civil society members.
There was no comment by the government on the incident.