The writing has been on the wall for a long time and insiders
have known it for a long time. For reasons best known to her
Sonia Gandhi has been gunning for Amitabh Bachchan. The latest
info is that Income Tax department issued a notice to Big
B when he was in hospital, demanding Rs 4.5 crore over a disputed
income. Bachchan, perhaps not wanting to add to family’s
tension over his illness, signed the cheque in the ICU. Speculations
are rife about the role of some of the more loyal than the
queen politicians in the capital.
This happened immediately after the embargo on the news
of the star’s illness on Doordarshan. It is believed
to be the handiwork of the same group. I&B Minister, P
R Dasmunshi stepped in only after the media made news out
of this blackout and issued specific instructions to correct
the impression. DD not only covered the news, it also issued
a press release that Bachchan’s illness was covered
67 times!
A little before that an invitation to Amitabh to be the
Chief Guest at a pageant during IFFI was withdrawn by the
Congress government ruling Goa.
It may be recalled that Congress, during the days of Mrs
Indira Gandhi (specially during Sanjay Gandhi phase) twisted
the arm of film industry. Incidents like blacklisting of Kishore
Kumar on All India Radio and Doordarshan, banning ‘Kissa
Kursi Ka’, harassing stars opposed to emergency were
everyday affair during early seventies and ended only when
Janata Party routed the Congress. Ironically, at that time
Amitabh was so close to Gandhis that Mrs Gandhi and Rajiv
visited him in the hospital to inquire after his health. Later,
during Rajiv Gandhi’s reign, Bachchan was considered
the second most powerful man in the country till Bofors Scandal
rocked the parliament.
Bachchan resigned under a cloud. Later, after fighting and
winning a court case opposite a newspaper over a defamation
case (arising out of linking his name with the scandal) he
got himself what seemed a clean chit. This case was fought
in UK. In India, he chose to befriend the press and went on
giving long interviews disassociating him from the allegations.
The relationship between Gandhis and Bachchans seem to have
soured after Bachchan advised Sonia Gandhi not to enter politics.
Ignoring his advice, Sonia entered politics.
Amitabh kept a safe distance and later during the time he
was facing financial crisis, became close to Amar Singh and
Mulayam Singh (Samajwadi Party) who, he has publicly stated,
provided him moral support. Bachchan, however, never spoke
a word against Gandhis chosing to abide by his policy of avoid
controversies. An impulsive remark of Jaya Bachchan in public
about Gandhis not coming to their rescue when Bachchans were
in financial trouble started a controversy. This was the first
time that anyone from either side had made any comment on
the sensitive issue. Amitabh saved the situation by describing
himself as runk (those who are ruled) and Gandhis as raja
(ruler).
Bachchan survived the crisis in his career, made a comeback
with KBC and a long list of successful films but avoided flaunting
his wealth. This time, for the first time while celebrating
his birthday, sources close to Bachchan gave details about
his wealth and luxurious life style.
Apparently, someone in Congress has treated it like Big B
has thrown a gauntlet in the ring. IT department’s demand
of Rs 4.5 crore seems to be the answer.
