People were made to surrender their black clothes before meeting the Chief Minister of Odisha | Popgen Tech

The reason for the move was the possibility of a black flag being displayed at the site. (File)

Balasore:

People attending Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s public meeting in Odisha’s Balasore on Thursday were asked by the police to surrender their black clothes before entering the venue.

Women had to leave their black shawls, sweaters and even dupattas at special counters set up at various entry points to the meeting place. The men had to turn in their black coats, sweaters and helmets.

When asked about the reason, a spokesperson of the state armed police said that according to intelligence reports, a black flag display was likely at the venue.

This order caused the indignation of many present at the meeting. “It is shocking and insulting when we are asked to surrender the black clothes worn by women outside the meeting place. We are all Naveen Patnaik fans,” said Sabita Behera, a resident of Balasore town.

Sixty-year-old Raghunath Sahu expressed his displeasure when security personnel asked him to remove his black coat before entering the premises.

Meanwhile, the local police detained several BJP leaders, including Balasore city president Umakant Mohapatra, who was detained as a precautionary measure before Patnaik’s arrival in the city.

In another incident, a physically challenged youth threw himself in front of the Chief Minister’s motorcade during his visit to Balasore.

The youths suddenly rushed towards Mr. Patnaik’s motorcade, breaching the security cordon soon after Mr. Patnaik reached the city. Security personnel who were on the scene quickly entered and removed him.

While the youth’s motive is yet to be ascertained, it was heard that he was demanding a house under the state’s housing scheme and a job.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)