Concerned about security arrangements for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, Australia is rushing its elite police squadron to safeguard its players and officials.
Earlier, the Australian Government had already warned its citizens about the dangers of buildings in Delhi, after the collapse of a bridge near the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the main venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
"Our team will effectively be locked down - unable to visit any public places or use public transport," The Herald Sun quoted a source, as saying.
With the Australian Government expecting more athletes to pull out of the Commonwealth Games, about 15 Australian Federal Police officers will provide a high-level security cordon, though unarmed, after Sunday's shooting incident near the Jama Masjid in the walled city of Delhi.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Important locations for Common Wealth Games 2010 (Delhi).
12 important locations / venues for the Common Wealth Games 2010 (Delhi).
1. Games Village near Akshardham Mandir Delhi -110092
2. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
3. Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
(Weightlifting & Wrestling Event)(Indira Gandhi Sports Complex),
(Gymnastics Event) (Indira Gandhi Stadium)
Located in IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002.
4. Talkatora Indoor Stadium
(Boxing Event)
On Mother Teresa Crescent (Willingdon Crescent Road), New Delhi-110001.
(Hockey Event)
Located near Patiala House, New Delhi-110001 Landmark: India Gate.
Located near Patiala House, New Delhi-110001 Landmark: India Gate.
3. Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
(Weightlifting & Wrestling Event)(Indira Gandhi Sports Complex),
(Gymnastics Event) (Indira Gandhi Stadium)
Located in IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002.
4. Talkatora Indoor Stadium
(Boxing Event)
On Mother Teresa Crescent (Willingdon Crescent Road), New Delhi-110001.
5. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Aquatics Complex
(Swimming Event, "Aquatics")
Located on Willingdon Crescent Road, New Delhi-110001
Located on Willingdon Crescent Road, New Delhi-110001
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
(Lawn Bowls & Athletics Event)
Located in Lodhi Colony, Near C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.
Located in Lodhi Colony, Near C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.
7. Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range
(Shooting Event)
Located on Suraj Kund Rd, Tughlakabad (near Delhi), Faridabad NIT-121001, Haryana.
Located on Suraj Kund Rd, Tughlakabad (near Delhi), Faridabad NIT-121001, Haryana.
8. Siri Fort Sports Complex
(Badminton & Squash Event)
Located on August Kranti Marg, New Delhi-110 049 (near Siri Fort Auditorium).
Located on August Kranti Marg, New Delhi-110 049 (near Siri Fort Auditorium).
9. Yamuna Sports Complex
(Table Tennis & Archery Preliminaries Event)
Located in Surajmal Vihar, Delhi (East) - 110 092.
Located in Surajmal Vihar, Delhi (East) - 110 092.
10. R.K. Khanna Tennis Stadium
(Tennis Event)
Located on Africa Avenue, Safdarjung Enclave
DLTA, Delhi -110029
Located on Africa Avenue, Safdarjung Enclave
DLTA, Delhi -110029
11. Thyagaraj Sports Complex
(Netball Event)
Located near the Safdarjung Airport, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi-110023.
Located near the Safdarjung Airport, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi-110023.
12. Delhi University Stadium
97% say Games bosses have tarred India's image: Poll by ToI
When all the top bosses are blaming the media to have created a hype over the Common Wealth Games, Times of India conducted a Poll to ask its readers' the question. Read the results.
Supreme Court postpones Allahabad High Court verdict on Ayodhya title suit till September 28.
The Supreme Court (India) on Thursday (23rd September 2010) has postponed the verdict on the Ayodhya verdict by at least week.
The verdict by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court was to be delivered tomorrow (24th September 2010). The matter was heard by a Bench headed by Justice R V Raveendran.
Apex court issues notices to contesting parties on the petition seeking stay on the Allahabad High Court order, which refused to defer the verdict in the suit.
The apex court had on Wednesday declined to hear urgently the plea to postpone the Ayodhya title suit verdict by the Allahabad High Court on Friday.
A Bench of the court, while refusing to hear the petition filed by retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chand Tripathi, said that it did not have the "determination" to take up the issue and added that it will be listed before another Bench.
The demand to defer the verdict was admitted under Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code.
US warns that CWG an 'appealing target' for LeT.
Washington: The Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an "appealing target" for Pakistan-based terror group LeT due to its political and economic significance for India, a top US counter-terrorism official has warned.
"We are concerned that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an appealing target for Lashkar-e-Toiba due to their political and economic significance for India," said Michael Leiter, the Director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre.
Leiter, who testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday, said the threat level increases because of the heightened media exposure that will accompany the October 3-14 mega event.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has prepared a four-layer security plan for the mega event, which will see participation of around 8,500 athletes from over 71 countries competing in 17 events.
"We are concerned that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an appealing target for Lashkar-e-Toiba due to their political and economic significance for India," said Michael Leiter, the Director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre.
Leiter, who testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday, said the threat level increases because of the heightened media exposure that will accompany the October 3-14 mega event.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has prepared a four-layer security plan for the mega event, which will see participation of around 8,500 athletes from over 71 countries competing in 17 events.
The security plan envisages snipers on rooftops; commando hit teams and expert groups to tackle any chemical, biological, radio-active or nuclear attacks.
Around 80,000 police personnel, over 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 3,000 commandos and 100 anti-sabotage check teams will be deployed across New Delhi during the event.
Leiter said LeT's attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India have had a destabilising effect on the region, increasing tensions and brinkmanship between New Delhi and Islamabad.
"LeT poses a threat to a range of interests in South Asia," he said.
He also warned that although the terror group has not previously conducted attacks in the West, LeT trained individuals could pose a direct threat to the Homeland and Europe, especially should they collude with al-Qaeda operatives.
Around 80,000 police personnel, over 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 3,000 commandos and 100 anti-sabotage check teams will be deployed across New Delhi during the event.
Leiter said LeT's attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India have had a destabilising effect on the region, increasing tensions and brinkmanship between New Delhi and Islamabad.
"LeT poses a threat to a range of interests in South Asia," he said.
He also warned that although the terror group has not previously conducted attacks in the West, LeT trained individuals could pose a direct threat to the Homeland and Europe, especially should they collude with al-Qaeda operatives.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Channel Islands expresses doubts over Delhi accommodation.
Both Jersey and Guernsey Commonwealth Games Associations are waiting to decide whether or not to travel to Delhi over fears of poor accommodation.
The Jersey team have said a decision will be made within the next 24 hours, while Guernsey will decide on Friday.
Jersey's Commonwealth Games secretary Alan Cross said: "At the moment we are sending a team but we will be continually reviewing the situation.
"We'll make a decision based on the reports we get in the next 24 hours."
Jersey and Guernsey are among several teams to raise concerns about the quality of accommodation at the athletes village.
Scottish officials found their original accommodation to be "unsafe and unfit for human habitation".
England are "optimistic" they will compete, but say urgent work is needed before the Games begin on 3 October.
If the 33-strong Jersey team do travel to Delhi, they will be staying in a different tower block after the one they were originally allocated was deemed unfit for habitation.
Jersey's team manager Paul Huddleston is currently on site in Delhi inspecting another tower block.
Guernsey's chef du mission David Harry said: "The games village consists of over 30 tower blocks and it appears blocks 1-20 are in a reasonable condition, although there is still work to be done, whereas the later blocks 21-20 do need more work doing.
"Luckily the Guernsey team is in block number seven and I'm told by my colleague who are already there that although work needs to be done - it could be made to the correct standard of accommodation within the next 36 hours."
The Jersey team have said a decision will be made within the next 24 hours, while Guernsey will decide on Friday.
Jersey's Commonwealth Games secretary Alan Cross said: "At the moment we are sending a team but we will be continually reviewing the situation.
"We'll make a decision based on the reports we get in the next 24 hours."
Jersey and Guernsey are among several teams to raise concerns about the quality of accommodation at the athletes village.
Scottish officials found their original accommodation to be "unsafe and unfit for human habitation".
England are "optimistic" they will compete, but say urgent work is needed before the Games begin on 3 October.
If the 33-strong Jersey team do travel to Delhi, they will be staying in a different tower block after the one they were originally allocated was deemed unfit for habitation.
Jersey's team manager Paul Huddleston is currently on site in Delhi inspecting another tower block.
Guernsey's chef du mission David Harry said: "The games village consists of over 30 tower blocks and it appears blocks 1-20 are in a reasonable condition, although there is still work to be done, whereas the later blocks 21-20 do need more work doing.
"Luckily the Guernsey team is in block number seven and I'm told by my colleague who are already there that although work needs to be done - it could be made to the correct standard of accommodation within the next 36 hours."
Foot over bridge collapses near Nehru stadium
An under-construction foot over bridge collapsed near Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games.
Firing near Delhi's Jama Masjid, 2 injured
Two Taiwanese were injured in an incident of firing near the Jama Masjid in the walled city area this morning, police said. Unidentified persons fired at the duo near gate number three of the historic mosque, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Jaspal Singh said.
Terror e-mail Sent from Mumbai, Warns about CWG
A terror e-mail that was allegedly sent by the Indian Mujahideen, taking responsibility for the recent attack on the Jama Masjid in Delhi, has been traced to a locality at Borivali in Mumbai. The e-mail owned up responsibility for the attacks and warned of further attacks that would be targeted at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The chilling text of the e-mail reads:
"We are warning you. If you have the guts, then organise the Commonwealth Games...We know that preparations are on full swing. Be prepared...We are also making preparations...The participants in the games will be responsible for the outcome,"
According to the police, the mail was sent using a connection procured from Tata - using a fake identity card. The Delhi police are already questioning one person in connection with this case.
While terror e-mails are nothing new, earlier it had become a trend to send these mails after gaining unauthorized access to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Back then, there was huge hue and cry over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It also lead to the TRAI issuing directives to ensure Wi-Fi access pints are secured. It has also asked the government to direct ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to educate their customers on Wi-Fi security measures to adopt in order to prevent misuse. Even the security agencies have asked the Indian government to make password protection mandatory for all customers using Wi-Fi technology.
That was then. This time, however, the sender of the e-mail chose to have taken an easier way to send it. He simply procured a new card using a fake ID and had virtually secure Internet access. While the government has made it mandatory for all subscribers to furnish all their information before a connection or a new SIM is activated, it is clear that this procedure is not followed when it comes to practical application.
"We are warning you. If you have the guts, then organise the Commonwealth Games...We know that preparations are on full swing. Be prepared...We are also making preparations...The participants in the games will be responsible for the outcome,"
According to the police, the mail was sent using a connection procured from Tata - using a fake identity card. The Delhi police are already questioning one person in connection with this case.
While terror e-mails are nothing new, earlier it had become a trend to send these mails after gaining unauthorized access to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Back then, there was huge hue and cry over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It also lead to the TRAI issuing directives to ensure Wi-Fi access pints are secured. It has also asked the government to direct ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to educate their customers on Wi-Fi security measures to adopt in order to prevent misuse. Even the security agencies have asked the Indian government to make password protection mandatory for all customers using Wi-Fi technology.
That was then. This time, however, the sender of the e-mail chose to have taken an easier way to send it. He simply procured a new card using a fake ID and had virtually secure Internet access. While the government has made it mandatory for all subscribers to furnish all their information before a connection or a new SIM is activated, it is clear that this procedure is not followed when it comes to practical application.
Bridge collapses near JLN stadium, 23 injured.
In yet another setback to the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, major part of an under-construction foot-over bridge near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed on Tuesday afternoon.
As per initial reports, the incident happened at around 3 pm today when a hanging-type foot-over bridge that was being constructed near the stadium collapsed all of sudden.
Amid contradictory reports about the number of injured, Deputy Commissioner of Police HGS Dhaliwal confirmed that 23 labourers working at the site were injured in the incident out which five are said to be critical and have been admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, while four others have been rushed to the Safdarjung Hospital.
PWD officials and Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta claimed that only two workers were injured in the incident.
As per PWD principal engineer AK Sinha, the bridge was meant to be used by visitors during the commonwealth Games and was being erected using special technology. “It works using a system of pins attached the structure and it seems one of the pin(s) snapped due to the rest of the bridge,” he said.
Fire brigade teams, along with automated cranes, have also reached the spot are working towards removing the debris from the site.
The incident is likely to cause much embarrassment to the Delhi government, which is under pressure to complete the remaining construction work for the upcoming CWG events.
The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event being hosted by India since the 1982 Asiad Games, will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Oct 3. The stadium, the showpiece of the event, will also host the closing ceremony.
As per initial reports, the incident happened at around 3 pm today when a hanging-type foot-over bridge that was being constructed near the stadium collapsed all of sudden.
Amid contradictory reports about the number of injured, Deputy Commissioner of Police HGS Dhaliwal confirmed that 23 labourers working at the site were injured in the incident out which five are said to be critical and have been admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, while four others have been rushed to the Safdarjung Hospital.
PWD officials and Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta claimed that only two workers were injured in the incident.
As per PWD principal engineer AK Sinha, the bridge was meant to be used by visitors during the commonwealth Games and was being erected using special technology. “It works using a system of pins attached the structure and it seems one of the pin(s) snapped due to the rest of the bridge,” he said.
Fire brigade teams, along with automated cranes, have also reached the spot are working towards removing the debris from the site.
The incident is likely to cause much embarrassment to the Delhi government, which is under pressure to complete the remaining construction work for the upcoming CWG events.
The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event being hosted by India since the 1982 Asiad Games, will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Oct 3. The stadium, the showpiece of the event, will also host the closing ceremony.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
No RTI for vigilance panel
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government and city’s civic agencies, including MCD and DDA, are stonewalling attempts of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to probe allegations of corruption in the organisation of Commonwealth Games. Information provided by CVC under Right to Information (RTI) Act on complaints of corruption in various works reveals that the commission has been waiting for investigation and factual reports from CPWD, DDA, MCD, CBI and even Delhi government for over six months.
Complaints on alleged irregularities in purchase of air-conditioners for DDA flats and construction of indoor badminton stadium are pending because CVC is awaiting vigilance report from DDA over the past eight months since January.
Similarly, Delhi government has still not provided a factual report in complaints of irregularities in construction of bus queue shelters since June and procurement of “secure communication network” since May.
Cases like upgradation of street-lighting, which had been under CBI lens, are being investigated by CBI since February and CVC has still not received any report.
The worst delay in providing any factual information to CVC has been on part of CPWD which was forwarded a complaint of alleged irregularities in tenders for LED display boards at National Stadium (Mathura Road). The case has been pending before the chief vigilance officer of the agency since January 7 this year.
Apart from these cases, there are 16 corruption cases which are being investigated by commission’s Chief Technical Examiners Organisation.
Of these one has been referred to CBI and in another contract has already been terminated. The information provided by CVC on an RTI application filed by activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal reveals that of the remaining 14 cases, half of the cases are pending because MCD, PWD, DDA and CPWD have not provided the commission requisite information. These seven cases account for infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,226.32 crore.
These infrastructure projects involving major investments include covering of Sunehri Nullah and Kushak Nullah for parking facilities (Rs 303.95 crore), upgradation of Dr SPM swimming pool (Rs 229.73 crore), street-lighting on PWD roads (Rs 154.94 crore), upgradation of Major Dhyan Chand stadium (Rs 147.82 crore). While MCD has not provided factual reports to CVC in three cases, CPWD has to give in two cases.
Corruption complaints related to banners and signages for vehicle graphics for national sector of Queen’s baton relay, purchase of medical equipment for Games and selection of allegedly tainted officials for CWG organisation have been forwarded for further investigation to Delhi government.
Similarly, Delhi government has still not provided a factual report in complaints of irregularities in construction of bus queue shelters since June and procurement of “secure communication network” since May.
Cases like upgradation of street-lighting, which had been under CBI lens, are being investigated by CBI since February and CVC has still not received any report.
The worst delay in providing any factual information to CVC has been on part of CPWD which was forwarded a complaint of alleged irregularities in tenders for LED display boards at National Stadium (Mathura Road). The case has been pending before the chief vigilance officer of the agency since January 7 this year.
Apart from these cases, there are 16 corruption cases which are being investigated by commission’s Chief Technical Examiners Organisation.
Of these one has been referred to CBI and in another contract has already been terminated. The information provided by CVC on an RTI application filed by activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal reveals that of the remaining 14 cases, half of the cases are pending because MCD, PWD, DDA and CPWD have not provided the commission requisite information. These seven cases account for infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,226.32 crore.
These infrastructure projects involving major investments include covering of Sunehri Nullah and Kushak Nullah for parking facilities (Rs 303.95 crore), upgradation of Dr SPM swimming pool (Rs 229.73 crore), street-lighting on PWD roads (Rs 154.94 crore), upgradation of Major Dhyan Chand stadium (Rs 147.82 crore). While MCD has not provided factual reports to CVC in three cases, CPWD has to give in two cases.
Corruption complaints related to banners and signages for vehicle graphics for national sector of Queen’s baton relay, purchase of medical equipment for Games and selection of allegedly tainted officials for CWG organisation have been forwarded for further investigation to Delhi government.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Please don’t cheer the 2010 loot-fest -Chetan Bhagat on TOI
I am not going to harp on about how messed up the Commonwealth Games are. Enough has been written. The CWG 2010 is, by far, the biggest and most blatant, exercise in corruption in independent India's history. Not only have they stolen public money, they've made a mess of the job at hand. Delhi is dug up and the official anthem (and ringtone) of the Games should be the never-ending sound of drilling. If you worry about whether or not the work will finish on time, imagine the plight of Delhi's residents after the Games. The dug-up roads will never be repaired; the potholes will remain as souvenirs, symbolic of the great daylight robbery of 2010.
Posturing, something this government has a PhD in, is in full progress. Enquiry reports, vague statements, tossing responsibility from one person to the other will continue, until the Games are over. After that, fingers crossed, people will forget. Bollywood stars will do the closing ceremony and the entertainment provided will somewhat compensate for the loot-fest.
In the middle of all this, there will be propaganda campaigns to 'save India's image' and get the Games done somehow. People will be expected to support the event - after all, the pride of India is at stake. The great Indian youth will be called upon to fill stadiums and add energy to the event.
However, if we, the Indian people, support these Games, it will be a big mistake. This is a golden chance for citizens to put this corrupt and insensitive government to shame. Usually corruption issues are local in nature and they never really get the national traction or resonance that these Games have offered.
The CWG is an amazing opportunity because all Indians have been robbed at the same time. Add to that the fact that the government is desperate to save face. Now is when we can get them. And the way to do it is simply what the father of our nation pioneered in his time — non-cooperation. Yes, and i've deliberated long before saying this — do not watch these Games. Do not go to the venues. Do not watch them on TV. You cannot become a cheerleader to an exercise in cheating. The Indian people have been exploited enough, but to expect us to smile through it is a bit much. If they can walk out of Parliament, we can walk out of stadiums.
Some might say, shouldn't we support the Games on account of our country's pride? The word 'pride' reminds me of a little story. When i was a child, our neighbours were a violent man and his battered wife. The woman would cover her bruise marks with make-up, suffering silently. Whenever we visited them, the couple presented the perfect picture of a happy couple. She even praised her husband. I asked my mother why the woman behaved in that way and didn't expose her husband to show him in his true colours. My mother told me it doesn't look nice to portray an unhappy home. She has to save the family pride. Over time, the bruises turned to fractures, and the fractures became near-fatal injuries. Until one day, police cars and ambulances came in and took both husband and wife away respectively.
Yes, such is Indian culture. We are ready to cover up injustice on account of a fake sense of honour that needs to show everything is in order. In the case of the CWG, the organizers are the oppressive husband, the Indian people the battered wife. But modern Indian wives do not stay silent and suffering anymore.
College unions, schools and individuals should take a stand and make clear — we do not support these Games. Just as Gandhiji figured, the oppressor can oppress us; it cannot make us cooperate. Brand ambassadors lending their names to these Games should think twice before lending their image to cover up corruption. The foreign media could present the full picture, namely that it is not the Indian people's fault, it is a bunch of losers who didn't think twice before looting the coffers of a poor country. The foreign media could use the situation to explain why India doesn't win Olympic medals — not because we don't have the talent but because people who run sports would rather stuff their pockets with stolen gold than help their country win a gold medal.
This government came to power just a little more than a year ago. They had a clear majority and enjoyed stability. They could have, if they wanted, shown exemplary governance for the next five years. Instead, they've given the Indian people nothing but extreme inflation and extreme corruption. Way to go, leaders. You guys are really great role models for our youth.
The opposition parties have a big chance to capitalize on all this. But first they need to get along, not mix religion with politics and get aspirational leaders who are clean and work hard. They would be back before you know it.
And if the ruling party wants to get out of this mess, there is only one way. No, it isn't to execute the Games well — nobody cares about the silly Commonwealth club anyway. The only way to get out of this is to punish the people who did it, irrespective of their stature, and punish them hard. Use this as an opportunity to kill corruption, not to put on a grand, fake show. Otherwise, those holes you are digging in Delhi will be nothing but your political graves. People in India tolerate a lot, but when they get upset, they cause upset. Fix the mess, or the Indian people will soon be telling you — game over.
This article appeared in Times of India's August 28th 2010 issue
Posturing, something this government has a PhD in, is in full progress. Enquiry reports, vague statements, tossing responsibility from one person to the other will continue, until the Games are over. After that, fingers crossed, people will forget. Bollywood stars will do the closing ceremony and the entertainment provided will somewhat compensate for the loot-fest.
In the middle of all this, there will be propaganda campaigns to 'save India's image' and get the Games done somehow. People will be expected to support the event - after all, the pride of India is at stake. The great Indian youth will be called upon to fill stadiums and add energy to the event.
However, if we, the Indian people, support these Games, it will be a big mistake. This is a golden chance for citizens to put this corrupt and insensitive government to shame. Usually corruption issues are local in nature and they never really get the national traction or resonance that these Games have offered.
The CWG is an amazing opportunity because all Indians have been robbed at the same time. Add to that the fact that the government is desperate to save face. Now is when we can get them. And the way to do it is simply what the father of our nation pioneered in his time — non-cooperation. Yes, and i've deliberated long before saying this — do not watch these Games. Do not go to the venues. Do not watch them on TV. You cannot become a cheerleader to an exercise in cheating. The Indian people have been exploited enough, but to expect us to smile through it is a bit much. If they can walk out of Parliament, we can walk out of stadiums.
Some might say, shouldn't we support the Games on account of our country's pride? The word 'pride' reminds me of a little story. When i was a child, our neighbours were a violent man and his battered wife. The woman would cover her bruise marks with make-up, suffering silently. Whenever we visited them, the couple presented the perfect picture of a happy couple. She even praised her husband. I asked my mother why the woman behaved in that way and didn't expose her husband to show him in his true colours. My mother told me it doesn't look nice to portray an unhappy home. She has to save the family pride. Over time, the bruises turned to fractures, and the fractures became near-fatal injuries. Until one day, police cars and ambulances came in and took both husband and wife away respectively.
Yes, such is Indian culture. We are ready to cover up injustice on account of a fake sense of honour that needs to show everything is in order. In the case of the CWG, the organizers are the oppressive husband, the Indian people the battered wife. But modern Indian wives do not stay silent and suffering anymore.
College unions, schools and individuals should take a stand and make clear — we do not support these Games. Just as Gandhiji figured, the oppressor can oppress us; it cannot make us cooperate. Brand ambassadors lending their names to these Games should think twice before lending their image to cover up corruption. The foreign media could present the full picture, namely that it is not the Indian people's fault, it is a bunch of losers who didn't think twice before looting the coffers of a poor country. The foreign media could use the situation to explain why India doesn't win Olympic medals — not because we don't have the talent but because people who run sports would rather stuff their pockets with stolen gold than help their country win a gold medal.
This government came to power just a little more than a year ago. They had a clear majority and enjoyed stability. They could have, if they wanted, shown exemplary governance for the next five years. Instead, they've given the Indian people nothing but extreme inflation and extreme corruption. Way to go, leaders. You guys are really great role models for our youth.
The opposition parties have a big chance to capitalize on all this. But first they need to get along, not mix religion with politics and get aspirational leaders who are clean and work hard. They would be back before you know it.
And if the ruling party wants to get out of this mess, there is only one way. No, it isn't to execute the Games well — nobody cares about the silly Commonwealth club anyway. The only way to get out of this is to punish the people who did it, irrespective of their stature, and punish them hard. Use this as an opportunity to kill corruption, not to put on a grand, fake show. Otherwise, those holes you are digging in Delhi will be nothing but your political graves. People in India tolerate a lot, but when they get upset, they cause upset. Fix the mess, or the Indian people will soon be telling you — game over.
This article appeared in Times of India's August 28th 2010 issue
Chetan Bhagat called for the public to boycott the CWG.
Chetan Bhagat called for the public to boycott the event as a protest against bribery and sleaze. His stinging attack came soon after Delhi's Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, revealed it would take until the middle of next month to complete Games-related work - which is when athletes will start arriving.
She blamed incessant monsoon rains for the latest delay, joking that the rain god must be unhappy with Delhi.
''I will appeal to him to bring some sunshine,'' she was quoted as saying. ''If the rain stops and the sun comes out we should be able to complete the work by September 10-15.''
Deadlines set for March 31, June 30 and July 31 have all been missed.
Bhagat called for the boycott in a column in the Sunday edition of The Times of India. It comes amid growing public disenchantment with an event that was meant to highlight India's growing economic and technological clout.
''The CWG 2010 is, by far, the biggest and most blatant exercise in corruption in independent India's history,'' Bhagat wrote. ''Not only have they stolen public money, they've made a mess of the job at hand.''
He said all Indians had been robbed and the Games were a ''golden chance'' to put the ''corrupt and insensitive'' government to shame.
''Usually corruption issues are local in nature and they never really get the national traction or resonance that these games have offered,'' he wrote.
He urged all Indians to stay away from Games events and not to watch them on TV. Cheering for the ''lootfest'' would be a mistake, he wrote. ''You cannot become a cheerleader for an exercise in cheating.''
He likened the Indian citizenry to a battered wife who is expected to hide her bruises and continue to praise her husband (in this case, Delhi games organisers).
The president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Fennell, inspected venues on August 18 and 19 and said they were finished ''for all practical purposes''.
However, he said there was a large amount of finishing work to be done, especially landscaping.
Tens of thousands of labourers working on Games-related road and infrastructure projects have been hampered by monsoon rains over the past fortnight that have caused flooding.
The heavy rain has also exposed poor construction work at several Games venues, including at the main athletic stadium.
This month a former sports minister and senior figure in the ruling Congress party, Mani Shankar Aiyar, caused a furore when he said he would be unhappy if the Games were a success. Mr Aiyar, who is an MP, said the money spent building venues and staging the Games would have been better used helping India's poor.
She blamed incessant monsoon rains for the latest delay, joking that the rain god must be unhappy with Delhi.
''I will appeal to him to bring some sunshine,'' she was quoted as saying. ''If the rain stops and the sun comes out we should be able to complete the work by September 10-15.''
Deadlines set for March 31, June 30 and July 31 have all been missed.
''The CWG 2010 is, by far, the biggest and most blatant exercise in corruption in independent India's history,'' Bhagat wrote. ''Not only have they stolen public money, they've made a mess of the job at hand.''
He said all Indians had been robbed and the Games were a ''golden chance'' to put the ''corrupt and insensitive'' government to shame.
''Usually corruption issues are local in nature and they never really get the national traction or resonance that these games have offered,'' he wrote.
He urged all Indians to stay away from Games events and not to watch them on TV. Cheering for the ''lootfest'' would be a mistake, he wrote. ''You cannot become a cheerleader for an exercise in cheating.''
He likened the Indian citizenry to a battered wife who is expected to hide her bruises and continue to praise her husband (in this case, Delhi games organisers).
The president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Fennell, inspected venues on August 18 and 19 and said they were finished ''for all practical purposes''.
However, he said there was a large amount of finishing work to be done, especially landscaping.
Tens of thousands of labourers working on Games-related road and infrastructure projects have been hampered by monsoon rains over the past fortnight that have caused flooding.
The heavy rain has also exposed poor construction work at several Games venues, including at the main athletic stadium.
This month a former sports minister and senior figure in the ruling Congress party, Mani Shankar Aiyar, caused a furore when he said he would be unhappy if the Games were a success. Mr Aiyar, who is an MP, said the money spent building venues and staging the Games would have been better used helping India's poor.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Modi dedicates six development projects to Ahmedabad.
Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated various development projects meant to develop Ahmedabad east region, including Vir Savarkar sports complex, Kharikat canal rejuvenation pilot project, newly-built Ghodasar lake, Expansion work for Rukshmaniben Hospital, Ayurved hospital and housing barrack for state reserved police force.
Chief Minister said that Rs.65-crore project for rejuvenating 22-km. long Kharikat canal will convert east Ahmedabad into a beautiful area. Projects initiated in eastern part will lessen the development gap between east and west Ahmedabad. Budget used by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation during last five years is even more than that used in last fifty years, he added. He moved around the project area and greeted people.
Shri Modi also mentioned about the corruption in common wealth games and said that Congress is misusing CBI to defame Gujarat but people of Gujarat will answer it sternly.
Minister of State for law Shri Pradipsinh Jadeja, MP Shri Kiritbhai Solanki, MLAs of Ahmedabad city, Office bearers of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and citizens in large number were present on the occasion.
Chief Minister said that Rs.65-crore project for rejuvenating 22-km. long Kharikat canal will convert east Ahmedabad into a beautiful area. Projects initiated in eastern part will lessen the development gap between east and west Ahmedabad. Budget used by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation during last five years is even more than that used in last fifty years, he added. He moved around the project area and greeted people.
Shri Modi also mentioned about the corruption in common wealth games and said that Congress is misusing CBI to defame Gujarat but people of Gujarat will answer it sternly.
Minister of State for law Shri Pradipsinh Jadeja, MP Shri Kiritbhai Solanki, MLAs of Ahmedabad city, Office bearers of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and citizens in large number were present on the occasion.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Goel: Remove Kalmadi, set up all-party committee
Opposition party BJP is now demanding that the Commonwealth Games needs an all-party face to instil confidence in the public.National secretary Vijay Goel met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday and asked for the immediate removal of the organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi and the formation of an all-party committee that would look into charges of corruption in the Games.
"The Games have been riddled with corruption and mismanagement and I presented the PM with a memorandum that stated the real position of the preparation and where all the organising committee and the local government have made money. In the 30 minutes that we were together, I told the PM of all that has transpired since 2003 till now in terms of preparation for the Games. The PM gave me a patient hearing and assured me that he would look into the matter," said Goel.
Goel added that in view of the massive mistrust among people regarding the government and the way the Games projects have been implemented, it was necessary to have an all-party involvement in each step.
"It is necessary to present a united face of all parties before the public so that their faith is restored. For things like inspections and the inauguration ceremony, a joint-party forum should be involved," he said.
"Star pullouts won't affect Commonwealth Games" -Kalmadi
The increasing number of star pullouts may be taking the sheen off the Commonwealth Games but Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi is not too worried, saying there will be plenty of world champions in action and those who have withdrawn have done so because of injury.
Kalmadi said that a clear picture of the list of athletes would emerge only on September 3 when the countries would have to submit the entries by name.
The OC chairman is unfazed by the pullouts of crowd-pullers such as sprint stars Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, swimming sensation Stephanie Rice and tennis players Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur.
Asked whether the pullouts were a worrying factor, Kalmadi said, "No, not at all. Because many top world class stars are coming. A few are not coming because of injury."
"Bolt has not gone in the last four five events because he was not well. Whether anybody will come or not will be known only on September 3 when the countries will give their entries by name. Entry by general category has been going on," Kalmadi said in an interview.
The Indian Olympic Association chief said in the absence of big names, new stars would be made at the Games.
"Lots of world champions are coming. Few have backed out not because of any other reason but injury. Stephanie Rice has backed out because she was injured. Shelly Ann-Fraser was caught in a dope case. Chris Hoy's taking part in Olympics depends on that event ( European Championships)," he pointed out.
"Anyway if somebody is not coming a new champion, a new star will come up. Bolt is not coming but other athletes who are just 0.02 or 0.03 different (in timing) will come. So new champions will happen, I am happy with that. The 71 Chefs de Mission who have come here were happy with the Games so they have told us that most of their athletes are coming," he asserted.
Asked whether he was upset about the corruption allegations that have come about in the last month or so, Kalmadi said he had all along maintained that nothing wrong was done and all the proposals were cleared through the executive board of the OC.
"You must remember we had taken a big team for the bid. A third world country has got the Games after 60 years. Most of the times the Games were held in England, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. So it was a challenge to show that a third world country can do it. There have been a lot of challenges," he said.
"The last few years, the preparations had gone off peacefully. It was just in the last 15 days that there have been a lot (of controversies) in India. I don't know the reasons. I have said from day one that we have not done any wrong," Kalmadi said.
"We had cleared every proposal through the executive board which has government nominees, from IOA and OC. Everything was a combined decision," he said.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the original bid documents in which he was shown to be the vice-chairman of the Organising Committee, Kalmadi explained, "Every bid keeps getting updated. The revalidated bid we submitted at Montego Bay at the time of voting had me as the chairman."
"When we made the final presentation we consulted the CGF how we can win the bid. So there was some changes. About chairmanship and the $100,000 to other Commonwealth Associations were not there in the original bid. So, it was the updated bid (that had me as chairman OC)," he said.
Kalmadi said the controversy was a non-issue for him as he had been appointed OC chairman by the IOA.
"The main thing is that who would be chairman of OC is decided by IOA and IOA in its general body meeting had decided that I would be the chairman. And the GoM ratified it. So there is no issue.
"Now a former sports minister raised the issue after keeping quiet for eight years. Why did he keep quiet for eight years? He should have said earlier that there was something wrong. Now with the Games just one month away, if somebody raises this issue, it is unfortunate," he said.
Kalmadi said that a clear picture of the list of athletes would emerge only on September 3 when the countries would have to submit the entries by name.
The OC chairman is unfazed by the pullouts of crowd-pullers such as sprint stars Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, swimming sensation Stephanie Rice and tennis players Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur.
Asked whether the pullouts were a worrying factor, Kalmadi said, "No, not at all. Because many top world class stars are coming. A few are not coming because of injury."
"Bolt has not gone in the last four five events because he was not well. Whether anybody will come or not will be known only on September 3 when the countries will give their entries by name. Entry by general category has been going on," Kalmadi said in an interview.
The Indian Olympic Association chief said in the absence of big names, new stars would be made at the Games.
"Lots of world champions are coming. Few have backed out not because of any other reason but injury. Stephanie Rice has backed out because she was injured. Shelly Ann-Fraser was caught in a dope case. Chris Hoy's taking part in Olympics depends on that event ( European Championships)," he pointed out.
"Anyway if somebody is not coming a new champion, a new star will come up. Bolt is not coming but other athletes who are just 0.02 or 0.03 different (in timing) will come. So new champions will happen, I am happy with that. The 71 Chefs de Mission who have come here were happy with the Games so they have told us that most of their athletes are coming," he asserted.
Asked whether he was upset about the corruption allegations that have come about in the last month or so, Kalmadi said he had all along maintained that nothing wrong was done and all the proposals were cleared through the executive board of the OC.
"You must remember we had taken a big team for the bid. A third world country has got the Games after 60 years. Most of the times the Games were held in England, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. So it was a challenge to show that a third world country can do it. There have been a lot of challenges," he said.
"The last few years, the preparations had gone off peacefully. It was just in the last 15 days that there have been a lot (of controversies) in India. I don't know the reasons. I have said from day one that we have not done any wrong," Kalmadi said.
"We had cleared every proposal through the executive board which has government nominees, from IOA and OC. Everything was a combined decision," he said.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the original bid documents in which he was shown to be the vice-chairman of the Organising Committee, Kalmadi explained, "Every bid keeps getting updated. The revalidated bid we submitted at Montego Bay at the time of voting had me as the chairman."
"When we made the final presentation we consulted the CGF how we can win the bid. So there was some changes. About chairmanship and the $100,000 to other Commonwealth Associations were not there in the original bid. So, it was the updated bid (that had me as chairman OC)," he said.
Kalmadi said the controversy was a non-issue for him as he had been appointed OC chairman by the IOA.
"The main thing is that who would be chairman of OC is decided by IOA and IOA in its general body meeting had decided that I would be the chairman. And the GoM ratified it. So there is no issue.
"Now a former sports minister raised the issue after keeping quiet for eight years. Why did he keep quiet for eight years? He should have said earlier that there was something wrong. Now with the Games just one month away, if somebody raises this issue, it is unfortunate," he said.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Shameful road to the Commonwealth Games.
By Gautaman Bhaskaran
CHENNAI, India — India's Commonwealth Games, which are set to roll in New Delhi from Oct. 3, have turned into the nation's biggest shame. At a cost of $7.5 billion — excluding improvements and additions to city infrastructure — these will be the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever.
The cost — all laid to Indian taxpayers — has sky-rocketed because of terrible mismanagement and hugely inflated bills. Overnight, men in charge of the games have become stinking rich, and the event has helped to convert common wealth into personal wealth.
Scandalous reports of financial corruption, nepotism and incompetence have already tarnished India's image to a degree that appears beyond redemption. Sports stadiums are not yet ready, or if they are, there are growing fears of substandard materials having been used.
The roof of the weightlifting stadium, part of the main venue, began leaking hours after its inauguration.
The ceiling of the SP Mukherjee Swimming Complex came crashing down and a swimmer was injured.
Before that, a roof at the Yamuna Sports Complex collapsed.
The games village is not ready, nor are the living quarters for the hundreds of players due to descend on New Delhi.
The blame for all these rests squarely on the shoulders of Suresh Kalmadi, head of the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games. He also happens to be a Congress member of Parliament, the party that heads India's coalition government.
Mihir Bose, a former BBC sports editor and a London-based writer and broadcaster, has been quoted as having said: "I do not understand how Kalmadi has come to acquire this position of influence in the Indian Commonwealth Games. He has no sporting credentials and he makes no international impression. The question is who is Kalmadi? Had it not been for the Commonwealth Games, would we have ever heard of him?"
The moot point is, why are Indians obsessed with politicians and have men like Kalmadi governing Indian sports? The answer is easy: Who governs has to do with class bias.
To quote Bose again: "In India, players tend to come from the lower classes, with the possible exception of cricket. They are not considered intelligent enough to run sports, never put in a position of power and always exploited by the babus and politicians. The politicians ride on the back of the athletes and use their success to acquire power and run sports in India."
The Congress party feels that Kalmadi must be seen as head of the games, not as a party representative. Worried about the stigma to the brand, the chief of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Fennel, has asked for an inquiry into the allegations.
What is even more condemnable is the abdication of responsibility by Kalmadi and the government. Both have begun passing the buck: For now, it stops at a British firm that made the queen of England furious, as well as a couple of Australian firms. Last year the organizing committee hired a British firm to perform a games-related service for a hugely inflated sum of money. Kalmadi claimed that the firm was hired on the explicit advice of the Indian High Commissioner in London. It now appears that the e-mail shown as proof of such advice may have been forged.
The queen will not attend the sporting event — though for reasons other than corruption — and this will be the first time in the history of the games that she, the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, will be absent. Also, some star sportsmen will not participate.
Included in this scam of scams is vulgar spending. Over $200 was spent on every single roll of toilet paper bought for the games. Approximately, $13,000 was used to hire each thread-mill for two months, while seven or eight of the gadgets could have been purchased outright with this amount.
Over $130 was spent to hire an umbrella for the duration. An official justified this by saying it was of a special kind that withstands winds of very high velocity. But New Delhi is not on the Pacific Coast. Nor is it in a region frequented by cyclones. Where are the winds blowing from?
All this spending in a country where 76 percent of the 1.3 billion population live in abject poverty, with less than 40 cents a day to spend. Does the nation need the Commonwealth Games at all?
"I'm Still the Boss" -Suresh Kalmadi
"I am still the boss of the Commonwealth Games,'' embattled organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said on Monday. He sought to make it clear he was not a quitter, insisting that spate of corruption allegations would not force him to step down at this stage.
Kalmadi said delivering a good Games was a challenge and there was no question of resigning from the post as he had done nothing wrong. He also sought to scotch the perception that his mandate had been curtailed in the wake of the corruption scandals. Commenting on an empowered committee of bureaucrats set up by the government to oversee Games-related work, Kalmadi said, "Organising the Games is my responsibility... I am continuing with it.''
" Group of ministers was there. The committee of secretaries under Cabinet secretary was always there. The Prime Minister had a meeting and he has asked all these committees to get more active and give more support. I am getting more support from government and I am the OC chairman,'' Kalmadi told a news agency. " CGF chief Michael Fennell had come and he had given a good report. So I welcome all this because of the circumstances.''
The build-up to the October 3-14 Games has been marred by a series of corruption scandals and construction delays but Kalmadi said things were now under control and his team was capable of delivering a "good and transparent'' Games.
"I don't know why all these campaigns started. Everything was smooth till the last 15 days or so. I am ready to face any inquiry after the Games,'' he said. "Our reputation is at stake and after all these years of hard work I don't want to go down in this manner. That is why I want this inquiry.''
Kalmadi refused to take any responsibility for the scandals that have rocked the Games, saying his job was to deliver a good Games. "I have to deliver the Games and I am doing that. That is my most important responsibility. After that there is the inquiry and let us see who has done what. Let us see,'' he said.
"All the allegations are exaggerated like Rs 4000 for toilet paper. Is it possible? These are all wild allegations... we will see after the inquiry. We will give all the things (for inquiry). I am sure all charges will be proved wild charges,'' he asserted.
On whether India's future bids for mega events like Olympics and Asian Games would be affected in the light of the controversies, Kalmadi said "it is normal for every Games to have some charges or the other''.
"When we bid, there was euphoria. There is disenchantment when the reality sets in. Then there is search for the guilty. It is the pattern for every Games. Then there is persecution of the innocent and finally there is successful Games and glorification of the uninvolved. This is the pattern everywhere,'' Kalmadi said.
Asked whether the thought of resignation had crossed his mind in the wake of these allegations, he said, "No. I had promised the CGF when we won the bid that I will deliver a good Games. There is no question of resignation.''
Kalmadi admitted he had a tough time in lifting the morale of his team after the alleged corruption scandals came out in the media. "It was not so much a distraction for me but it was for my staff,'' he said. "Naturally I have to see that the morale of my staff is OK. I have to see that this does not happen again. I have to put them on track. I have addressed them and told them to go ahead without worry.''
Kalmadi refused to comment when asked if the negative publicity that the Games is receiving was masterminded by his own party colleagues. "I don't want to say anything, let them say. The PM has supported us to a great extent. We are focused now. Next one month I will be fully focused and I am not distracted,'' he said.
Asked if too much work was left for the last minute considering the bid was won in 2003, Kalmadi said, "Initially the question of sanction was there. You have to get certificates to start work. You have to go to various agencies. There were environmental issues and people went to court. All this took time. On Infrastructure, we got a little late but now everything is under control. For overlays, we have less time. We are racing against time in overlays but we will do it.''
Kalmadi said the OC would try to get the people of Delhi involved in the Games. "Next one month will be focused on Delhi. Delhi government is doing its bit, we are doing our bit. My message is have faith and trust in us. We will give a good Games and a very transparent Games,'' said Kalmadi
Kalmadi said delivering a good Games was a challenge and there was no question of resigning from the post as he had done nothing wrong. He also sought to scotch the perception that his mandate had been curtailed in the wake of the corruption scandals. Commenting on an empowered committee of bureaucrats set up by the government to oversee Games-related work, Kalmadi said, "Organising the Games is my responsibility... I am continuing with it.''
" Group of ministers was there. The committee of secretaries under Cabinet secretary was always there. The Prime Minister had a meeting and he has asked all these committees to get more active and give more support. I am getting more support from government and I am the OC chairman,'' Kalmadi told a news agency. " CGF chief Michael Fennell had come and he had given a good report. So I welcome all this because of the circumstances.''
The build-up to the October 3-14 Games has been marred by a series of corruption scandals and construction delays but Kalmadi said things were now under control and his team was capable of delivering a "good and transparent'' Games.
"I don't know why all these campaigns started. Everything was smooth till the last 15 days or so. I am ready to face any inquiry after the Games,'' he said. "Our reputation is at stake and after all these years of hard work I don't want to go down in this manner. That is why I want this inquiry.''
Kalmadi refused to take any responsibility for the scandals that have rocked the Games, saying his job was to deliver a good Games. "I have to deliver the Games and I am doing that. That is my most important responsibility. After that there is the inquiry and let us see who has done what. Let us see,'' he said.
"All the allegations are exaggerated like Rs 4000 for toilet paper. Is it possible? These are all wild allegations... we will see after the inquiry. We will give all the things (for inquiry). I am sure all charges will be proved wild charges,'' he asserted.
On whether India's future bids for mega events like Olympics and Asian Games would be affected in the light of the controversies, Kalmadi said "it is normal for every Games to have some charges or the other''.
"When we bid, there was euphoria. There is disenchantment when the reality sets in. Then there is search for the guilty. It is the pattern for every Games. Then there is persecution of the innocent and finally there is successful Games and glorification of the uninvolved. This is the pattern everywhere,'' Kalmadi said.
Asked whether the thought of resignation had crossed his mind in the wake of these allegations, he said, "No. I had promised the CGF when we won the bid that I will deliver a good Games. There is no question of resignation.''
Kalmadi admitted he had a tough time in lifting the morale of his team after the alleged corruption scandals came out in the media. "It was not so much a distraction for me but it was for my staff,'' he said. "Naturally I have to see that the morale of my staff is OK. I have to see that this does not happen again. I have to put them on track. I have addressed them and told them to go ahead without worry.''
Kalmadi refused to comment when asked if the negative publicity that the Games is receiving was masterminded by his own party colleagues. "I don't want to say anything, let them say. The PM has supported us to a great extent. We are focused now. Next one month I will be fully focused and I am not distracted,'' he said.
Asked if too much work was left for the last minute considering the bid was won in 2003, Kalmadi said, "Initially the question of sanction was there. You have to get certificates to start work. You have to go to various agencies. There were environmental issues and people went to court. All this took time. On Infrastructure, we got a little late but now everything is under control. For overlays, we have less time. We are racing against time in overlays but we will do it.''
Kalmadi said the OC would try to get the people of Delhi involved in the Games. "Next one month will be focused on Delhi. Delhi government is doing its bit, we are doing our bit. My message is have faith and trust in us. We will give a good Games and a very transparent Games,'' said Kalmadi
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
PM responsible for CWG fiasco: Former Delhi mayor
A former Delhi mayor Sunday blamed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) organisational fiasco.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arti Mehra, who was mayor of the national capital from 2007 to 2009, told reporters here that early in her tenure she had written to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to create a single window system for clearing all files related to the CWG to ensure that all Games related works and files were properly monitored and cleared on time.
'The CWG is nothing but a Rs.87,000 crore scam. The hungama surrounding the Games is a shame to the pride of India,' she said.
Allegations of multi-million dollar corruption against the chairman of the CWG organising committee Suresh Kamadi and shoddy, sub-standard infrastructure has plunged the 2010 CWG, which will be held in Delhi from Oct 3 to 14, into controversy. Congress president Sonia Gandhi has already assured that those guilty of corruption would not be spared after the mega sports event.
Yashwant Sinha on PM Manmohan Singh.
"We expect they (government) will strongly fight the separatists backed and inspired by Pakistan which is trying to create chaos in Kashmir," the former external affairs minister said. He also said the BJP had never been a proponent of hike in the salaries of the MPs.
Monday, August 23, 2010
“I am hell out of the country for these two weeks" -Aiyyar
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) and former Indian Sports Minister, Mani Shankar Aiyar, has been a staunch critic of the Commonwealth Games. On Sunday, the veteran politician once again let his aversion for the quadrennial games be known when he said he would fly out of the country in October when the sporting spectacle kicks off in New Delhi.
“I am hell out of the country for these two weeks (Oct. 3-14), since I do not want to witness the games,” Aiyar was quoted as telling the media in the southern Indian town of Elavanchery, where he had gone to attend the marriage ceremony of former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor.
The games have been hit hard by allegations of corruption, kickbacks and poor quality construction of stadia with the Games Organizing Committee chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, bearing the brunt of the media criticism.
On Sunday, Aiyar said it was “premature” on the part of India to host the games of such gigantic proportion.
“The money being spent on the games could have been utilized for developing infrastructure in rural areas and for training sportspersons in various disciplines to make India a strong sporting nation,” Aiyar told the media.
He averred that had India bid for the games 10-15 years later, and just concentrated on promoting sports at the grassroots level, the country could have rivaled China.
Aiyar had recently ruffled the feathers of the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the Centre when he said that only the “evil” could patronize the Games
“I am hell out of the country for these two weeks (Oct. 3-14), since I do not want to witness the games,” Aiyar was quoted as telling the media in the southern Indian town of Elavanchery, where he had gone to attend the marriage ceremony of former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor.
The games have been hit hard by allegations of corruption, kickbacks and poor quality construction of stadia with the Games Organizing Committee chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, bearing the brunt of the media criticism.
On Sunday, Aiyar said it was “premature” on the part of India to host the games of such gigantic proportion.
“The money being spent on the games could have been utilized for developing infrastructure in rural areas and for training sportspersons in various disciplines to make India a strong sporting nation,” Aiyar told the media.
He averred that had India bid for the games 10-15 years later, and just concentrated on promoting sports at the grassroots level, the country could have rivaled China.
Aiyar had recently ruffled the feathers of the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the Centre when he said that only the “evil” could patronize the Games
Saturday, August 21, 2010
"Australia must consider Commonwealth Games boycott" -Dawn Fraser.
The former Australia swimmer Dawn Fraser has called for her country to boycott the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, citing fears of a tragedy similar to that which unfolded at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
Fraser, a triple Olympic 100m freestyle champion who won medals at the 1956 and 1960 Games, fears security at this year's event – which starts in October – may not prevent the kind of massacre which left 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and officials dead at the hands of Palestinian terrorists in Munich 38 years ago.
She told the Courier Mail: "The Indians are telling us that security will be right. But they have also been telling us for months that their stadiums are ready to go too and quite obviously they're not. I would hate to see another Munich but, with things getting worse and worse, I have grave concerns. I know the Australian Commonwealth Games Association is doing everything it can with security but what's at the other end of the tunnel?"
In the past few weeks, organising committee officials have come under scrutiny from the Indian parliament due to reports of missed construction deadlines and alleged financial corruption, bringing the Games into disrepute.
Fraser is adamant the Indian authorities' word cannot be taken at face value alone any more. "They can't get a hockey venue right yet they're still expecting everyone to trust them and turn up when they say it's all going to be OK," she added. "I know Australia has never boycotted a Commonwealth or Olympic Games but we're simply being told too many lies. There are now too many question marks for our officials not to consider it."
The ACGA chief executive, Perry Crosswhite, said Delhi's problems are exaggerated. Crosswhite – who is in India with the Commonwealth Games Federation president, Mike Fennell – said: "If security is not at the highest acceptable levels Australia won't be going. To suggest otherwise is to accuse us of being irresponsible – and we're not.
"But I think it's time someone provided a balanced view, gave us a fair go and gave the Indians a fair go. I don't think Dawn's been to Delhi recently and I don't think she has the information we have. If she did I don't think she would have made the comments she did. We believe at this stage it will be safe and it will be secure. My personal view is that the Commonwealth Games is not going to be a target."
Fraser, a triple Olympic 100m freestyle champion who won medals at the 1956 and 1960 Games, fears security at this year's event – which starts in October – may not prevent the kind of massacre which left 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and officials dead at the hands of Palestinian terrorists in Munich 38 years ago.
In the past few weeks, organising committee officials have come under scrutiny from the Indian parliament due to reports of missed construction deadlines and alleged financial corruption, bringing the Games into disrepute.
Fraser is adamant the Indian authorities' word cannot be taken at face value alone any more. "They can't get a hockey venue right yet they're still expecting everyone to trust them and turn up when they say it's all going to be OK," she added. "I know Australia has never boycotted a Commonwealth or Olympic Games but we're simply being told too many lies. There are now too many question marks for our officials not to consider it."
The ACGA chief executive, Perry Crosswhite, said Delhi's problems are exaggerated. Crosswhite – who is in India with the Commonwealth Games Federation president, Mike Fennell – said: "If security is not at the highest acceptable levels Australia won't be going. To suggest otherwise is to accuse us of being irresponsible – and we're not.
"But I think it's time someone provided a balanced view, gave us a fair go and gave the Indians a fair go. I don't think Dawn's been to Delhi recently and I don't think she has the information we have. If she did I don't think she would have made the comments she did. We believe at this stage it will be safe and it will be secure. My personal view is that the Commonwealth Games is not going to be a target."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Suresh Kalmadi In Aap Ki Adalat.
Aap ki adalat is a chat show hosted on INDIA TV by Rajat Kapoor. The man at the centre of Commonwealth Games controversy, Suresh Kalmadi told Rajat Sharma's Aap Ki Adalat on Saturday that he was ready to face a judicial probe into wrongdoings during the Games preparations.
Part 2 :
Part 3 :
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
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