The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Jharkhand on January 5, for laying the foundation stone of Mandal Dam project. Currently, there has been unrest in the state, as 80000 teachers belonging to Palamu district of the state have been actively participating in a protest demanding regularization of their jobs, held since November 15.

The Mandal Project is being planned at an estimated total budget of 2500 crores, and with the Prime Minister arriving at the state when the protest is at peaks, the Jharkhand government has been plagued by worries that the protesters might wave black flags to oppose the PM on his arrival. Following this fear of troubles by the protesters, a strange rule has been implemented.

The Palamu SP Indrajith Mahatha has passed an order that, none of the government employees or general public must be using anything in black color, be it black socks, caps, handkerchiefs or bags. However, after facing criticism, the order was relaxed, allowing people to wear black shoes. This precautionary measure taken by the Palamu district officials to prevent an embarrassment for PM Narendra Modi has become a topic of controversy.