BJP demands Kalmadi’s resignation over corruption in CWG
By ANIThursday, August 5, 2010
PUNE - The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists staged a demonstration here on Thursday demanding resignation of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi for allegedly patronizing corruption in projects related to the 2010 Games.
Calling Kalmadi the ‘King of Corruption’, the BJP supporters said by indulging in financial malpractices, Kalmadi has let down the prestige and honour of his hometown Pune.
The protestors later turned violent and burnt Kalmadi’s effigy.
“Pune is a cultural city, where eminent nationalists like Lokmanya Tilak were born. India got honest and dedicated political leaders from this city. But it is unfortunate the king of corruption and deceit, Suresh Kalmadi, who hails from Pune too, is sitting in Delhi,” said Vikas Mathkari, a BJP activist.
“The locals are angry, and we demand Kalmadi’s immediate resignation from his post,” said Vikas Mathkari,’ he added.
Kalmadi has been facing severe political backlash ever since several media reports highlighted suspected monetary mismanagement in the deals undertaken by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC).
The Central Vigilance Commission has found financial irregularities in several Commonwealth Games related works being carried out by civic and construction agencies.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi is being touted as the biggest international sporting event to be hosted by India since the 1982 Delhi Asian Games.
Its success is being seen as the first step for India to bid for bigger events, but still New Delhi is not ready for it. By Shivaji Saluke (ANI)
