Lucknow, Jul 28 (IANS): A controversy has erupted over a uniformed police officer bowing before Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur, applying 'tika' on his forehead and garlanding him.

However, an official posted at the Chief Minister's office made light of the issue on Saturday.

The pictures, which found their way to the social media, kicked off a debate on the "unprofessional" conduct of Circle Officer (CO) Praveen Kumar Singh of Gorakhnath area on 'Guru Purnima' that fell on Friday.

Adityanath still is the chief priest of the Gorakshnath Peeth and has represented Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat five times.

In two pictures, which Praveen Kumar posted on the social media, he is seen applying vermillion on the Chief Minister's forehead and also garlanding Adityanath.

"There is no issue involved. Where is the question of right or wrong?" he asked while maintaining that the pictures only showed a disciple offering respect to a 'guru', who is also the Chief Minister," the official at the CMO said.

He, however, refused to comment when asked if it should not have been down by a uniformed police officer.

In the past, police officials picking up footwear of ruling party politician or carrying a purse of a former Chief Minister have come to the fore.