Govt distances itself from Leela Samson's decision to resign as Censor Board chief

New Delhi: Leela Samson announced her resignation as the Chief of the Censor Board Thursday night thereby stirring a fresh controversy. Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore while addressing the media Friday morning spoke about the issue.

Rathore said that the Censor Board & all its members were brought in by the previous government and that the BJP government had not appointed new members. He stated that there was no coercion or interference and if Leela Samson is accusing the central leadership of interference then she should give evidences.

Referring to her decision as “personal choice”, Rathore said that the government has no comment on Samson's resignation.

He also clarified that the government does not interfere in decisions about film censorship.

However, Rathore said that according to information from his officers, Samson only attended office once in last few months.

Samson’s decision to resign came after the ‘Messenger of God’ featuring Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in lead role was cleared by Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).

Speaking about the clearance to the controversial film, Samson said “It is a mockery of Central Board of Film Certification. My resignation is final. Have informed the (I&B) Secretary".

(With ANI inputs)