Bhubaneswar, June 21: The Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha has come under criticism after workers of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) allegedly draped the party flag over Indian Army martyr Ajit Sahoo's coffin. The opposition BJP has protested against the incident, calling it a major "disrespect" towards the forces.

Sahoo of 44 Rashtriya Rifles was martyred in a combat with militants in Jammu & Kashmir's Pulwama district earlier this week. Hos body arrived at Khuntuni in Odisha on Thursday night, from where it was taken to his native village of Badasunalo for last rites. Kashmir: Terrorists Lob Grenade at Pulwama Police Station; Civilians Injured

Parameswar, the deceased's elder brother, said some of the BJD workers who received his body in Khuntuni draped the party flag over the Indian national flag.

Parmeshwar claimed that he had opposed the covering of country's flag with that of BJD's, saying that his brother had died for the nation and not for any political party.

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BJP’s ex-serviceman cell chief Col (retd) BK Bastia has demanded Patnaik to issue an apology on behalf of his party for "dishonouring" the late jawan.

BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra issued an apology over the incident, and has assured stringent action against the party workers involved.

This is the second  time BJD has been accused of disrespecting the forces, In February this year, a party leader and former legislator Debashis Samantray was charged of manhandling the bereaved family of a CRPF jawan martyred in the February 14 Pulwama attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2019 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).