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.
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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.