'Bizarre, openly biased move': Who said what on Aamir Khan's Incredible India exit

Aamir Khan is no longer the brand ambassador for the government's Incredible India programme. The 50-year-old actor has been replaced by Amitabh Bachchan even as speculation continues over the reasons for his departure.[caption id="attachment_2574770" align="alignleft" width="380"] Aamir Khan in a file photo. AFP[/caption]Khan's supporters are pointing to the controversy surrounding his intolerance comment in November 2015, when Khan had revealed that his wife Kiran Rao had asked if they should move out of the country, as she feared for the safety of their children in a climate of insecurity. On the other hand, the government insisted on Thursday that it is a simple matter of expiration of contract. However, their statement directly contradicts the one they made the day before, when the tourism ministry issued a clarification stating that Khan was still the brand ambassador.Here's are reactions about the issue so far:Aamir Khan: It is the prerogative of the government to decide whether they need a brand ambassador for any campaign, and if so, who that ambassador should be. I respect the decision of the government to discontinue with my services. I am sure they will take all appropriate steps to do what is best for the country.Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma: Our contract was with the McCann Worldwide agency for 'Atithi Devo Bhava' campaign. The agency had hired Aamir for the job. Now the contract with the agency is over. Ministry has not hired Aamir... It was the agency which has hired him. Since the contract with the agency is no more, automatically the arrangement with the actor no longer exists.Prasoon Joshi, the head of McCann Worldwide agency: We at McCann had a contractual agreement with the Ministry of Tourism for a social awareness campaign Atithi devo bhava'. Aamir Khan had graciously lent his support for the same. We have delivered the campaign to the Ministry.Vishal Dadlani: Bizarre & openly-biased move by govt.! @aamir_khan is one of the most credible people around. 'Incredible India' campaign will lose out!In the spirit of tolerance, Govt. has removed Aamir as brand ambassador for Incredible India, for speaking against intolerance. #IronicIndiaCongress communication department chief Randeep Surjewala: Non-renewal of 'Incredible India' brand ambassador contract of Aamir Khan reflects the petty mindset, parochial approach and intemperate attitude of Modi government. Dissent and difference of opinion have become anathema to Modi regime, be it of artists, thinkers, writers, scientists or political activists.With inputs from PTI and IANS