Shutterbugs protest getting pushed around, boycott Sonia photo-op

NEW DELHI, May 7: The photographers of all national dailies and agencies, including the foreign media, today refused to photograph Sonia Gandhi at the foundation day of Sewa Dal in protest against the high-handed attitude adopted by the Delhi Police personnel on her security duty. The photographers made their grouse known to the lady, after she arrived at the function, and she in turn personally apologised to them on behalf of the personnel and left the function.

Reportedly, the incident took place at 10.30 in the morning when the photographers were making preparations to cover the foundation day celebrations of Sewa Dal at Sapru House, where Sonia Gandhi was the chief guest. She was to light the lamp, garland the picture of the founder and make an address. But just before Sonia was to arrive, a Delhi Police personnel on her security duty asked the photographers to get off the stage and said that he will call them when the photographers are required.

Agitated over his high-handed approach, the photographers reportedly, decided to boycott the function. They refused to click Sonia when she lit the lamp or even as she garlanded the picture of the founder. And just as she settled down, the photographers let their grouse known to her. She, reportedly, motioned the photographers to stay put, stepped down the stage and walked towards them.

She, then apologised to them on behalf of the police personnel and walked out. And on the way out she was reportedly seen as giving some instructions to those who accompanied her. A couple of minutes later, the same personnel were seen standing outside the premises with a look of apprehension on their faces.