ITBP ex-officer joins BJP in full uniform, draws criticism

Lalit Mohan
Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, April 26

Former Assistant Commandant, ITBP, Om Prakash on Friday joined the BJP in the presence of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in full uniform, courting controversy. Om Prakash came to the BJP rally in full dress wearing stars on his shoulders and medals on his chest.

When asked if he had not flouted norms by wearing full uniform while joining a political party, Om Prakash said he had obtained permission from the Chief Minister in this regard.

However, the act of Om Prakash has attracted criticism from the Congress. CLP leader Mukesh Agnihotri, while talking to The Tribune, said it was against the rules for any paramilitary force officer to join a political party in full uniform. In fact after the retirement of officials from paramilitary forces, they were not allowed to wear full uniform with stars indicating their rank.

Agnihotri alleged that BJP leaders were already misusing the achievements of the Army for their publicity during the elections.

The Election Commission had barred BJP leaders from listing the achievements as their own. He said a retired ITBP official joining the BJP in full uniform was against the norms and the Congress would complain to the Election Commission in this regard.

‘Had sought permission from Chief Minister’

When asked if he had not flouted norms by wearing full uniform while joining a political party, former Assistant Commandant, ITBP, Om Prakash said he had obtained permission from Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in this regard.