U.S. business leader and philanthropist Bill Gates’ visit to the Planning Commission office on Wednesday was marred by a scuffle between his security staff and journalists.
Yojana Bhawan, seat of the Planning Commission, was locked down for the media. It was out of bounds to government-accredited journalists too, even before Mr. Gates arrived to meet Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia around 1 p.m.
As photographers started clicking the Microsoft founder entering Yojana Bhawan, Mr. Gates’ personal security staff shoved a lensman. As Mr. Gates emerged out of the building after his meeting with Mr. Ahluwalia, the media contingent tried to waystop him.
Mr. Gates’ call to his security personnel not to push the journalists went unheeded and a minor scuffle followed between the American security personnel and mediapersons. The weapon carrying security personnel pushed journalists, who retaliated with more pushing and shoving.