Date:17/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041755991200.htm

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“Who will dare argue with Gill?”

Amitabh Bachchan

NEW DELHI: Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill’s opposition to politicians and actors carrying the Olympic torch relay run saw actor Amitabh Bachchan taking a potshot at him. The former sprint queen P.T. Usha also took on the Minister for the controversial suggestion.

M.S. Gill

“He is the Sports Minister. Who will dare to argue with him? They are the government,” Mr. Bachchan said sarcastically when asked about the stand of the bureaucrat-turned politician.

Mr. Gill had said politicians and film stars had little right to hog the limelight at Thursday’s event in the capital.

Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi has already contested Mr. Gill’s view, saying citizens from all walks of life could run in the event in line with the guidelines of the International Olympic Council. — PTI