The incident has generated heat in the Sachivalaya corridors to such an extent that a senior minister has dashed a letter to Minister of State for Home Haren Pandya, demanding stringent disciplinary action against the DGP for not putting on ceremonial dress. The Minister has also taken strong exception to Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel's grandson standing next to him on the dais.

``Had I been Pandya's place, I would have immediately placed the DGP under suspension'', the Minister told Ahmedabad Newsline wishing anonymity this evening. ``What can we expect from lower rung police officers when the State police chief is not bothered about adhering to the dress code on the National Day?''

Referring to the Newsline photo showing Patel and the DGP saluting the tricolour, the Minister pointed out that a police officer of the rank of DGP or Police Commissioner has to be properly dressed as per the Police Manual and Standing Orders on such occasion.

``It is appalling to see in the Newsline photo that a cross belt (Sam Browne), medals and a sword are missing on the DGP, which are mandatory under the rules in the Police Manual and Standing Orders'', the Minister said, adding the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner standing behind the DGP has worn all these but for a sword.

A State BJP general secretary also criticised the DGP for not following the dress code and objected to Patel's grandson having been allowed to stand on the dais. ``My party is wedded to disciplne. I will draw the attention of other senior BJP leaders to this so that the gaffe is not repeated in future'', he said.