Amit Shah’s Odisha Visit: BJD Responds To Aparajita Sarangi’s Protocol Breach Charge

Bhubaneswar: The BJD on Monday responded to BJP leader and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi’s allegation that protocol was not followed when Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Odisha on Sunday night, saying that she was trying to create an unnecessary controversy to grab media attention.

“Aparajita Sarangi in her desperation is trying to create a controversy to grab media attention and look relevant. She knows well that due protocol has been extended to Hon’ble Home Minister of India as per provisions,” BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty tweeted.

“The State Government holds Hon’ble Home Minister of India in high esteem. Is her frustration on some other issue showing?” Mohanty tweeted further.

Aparajita on Monday accused the ruling party in Odisha of not following protocol when Shah landed at Bhubaneswar airport on Sunday night.

“Minister of State (Home) Tusharkanti Behera was conspicuous by his absence when the Union Home Minister arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport here. We were not expecting the state home minister since Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik shoulders that responsibility, but MoS should have been present,” she said.

Aparajita also questioned the absence of the Home Secretary and the DGP at the airport. “Special Secretary, Home, was sent to receive the Union Minister. I have been a bureaucrat and am aware of the rule book and protocols,” she asserted.