Guard caught on tape tying Bengal minister's shoelaces

Kolkata, May 25: West Bengal planning minister Rachhpal Singh on Monday courted controversy after one of his security guards was caught on tape while tying his shoelaces at the state secretariat, Nabanna.

Singh, a Trinamool Congress MLA from Tarakeshwar and a former IPS officer, drew flak as TV channels broadcast video footage showing a security officer tying the shoelaces after Singh had paid homage to sculptor and painter Ramkinkar Baij on his birth anniversary at the secretariat.

"Such a thing is unthinkable in the 21st century. This is reflective of the political bankruptcy of the Trinamool Congress and its leaders," CPI-M leader and former Kolkata mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya said.

Social activist Miratun Nahar and theatre personality Kaushik Sen too condemned the incident.

Kolkata: Security guard ties shoelaces of Rachpal Singh (Minister of Planning & Implementation, WB) pic.twitter.com/chHqb5e8Tb

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"Unless those surrounding ministers and influential people stop resorting to sycophancy, such incidents will continue to happen. I also have serious doubts if Singh is aware about Baij or his exploits," said Sen.

Former police officer Samir Ganguly said he was not surprised by the incident.

"Sycophancy is a part of the department. There are many who shamelessly run errands for their superiors, hoping for a better posting and promotion," said Ganguly, a former deputy commissioner of city police.

IANS