Kalmadi goes out with a bang, slams government

Former CWG Organising Committee boss said he had extended all possible cooperation to probe agencies

Kalmadi goes out with a bang, slams government

Former CWG Organising Committee boss said he had extended all possible cooperation to probe agencies

The IOA is an independent autonomous body and as per the Olympic Charter must remain free from government interference. "It is also relevant to point out that as per the Host city contract for the Commonwealth Games, it is the responsibility of the IOA to establish the OC. The Sports Ministry is therefore not legally empowered to remove me," Kalmadi said in a letter written to Maken.

Kalmadi, however, has not taken any legal recourse in this regard. He said that he would hand over the charge to the Chief Executive Jarnail Singh, -- as directed by the Sports Minister--under protest.

"Without prejudice to my rights and contention and in furtherance of my letter wherein it has been stated that the order is illegal and without any jurisdiction, I am handing over the charge under protest," he said. Blaming media for his fate, he added, "The Order dated 24th January 2011 has been clearly issued as a knee-jerk reaction to the prejudice created by certain section of the media."

Unconvinced with the reasoning of the Sports Ministry that he was removed form his post to ensure 'unhindered' probe into alleged corruption in the conduct of the CWG, Kalmadi said he and the OC officials had been cooperating with the various investigating agencies.

"At the outset it is important for me to point out that I have extended all possible cooperation to all investigating agencies, including the CBI. Further, I have even specifically directed the entire OC, including the CEO, to whom all FA heads report since 2009, to extend all assistance possible to the CBI and cooperate with them to the fullest extent," he said adding,

"I have even written to the CBI stating I am available to assist them at any given point of time. In light of the above, the concerns expressed by the CBI are unfounded and the Order dated 24th January 2011 is uncalled for."

The sports ministry has refused to comment on Kalmadi's letter to Maken. "As Kalmadi has already handed over the charge, there is no point in issuing any statement on behalf of the ministry," an official told MiD DAY.

MCD want CWG money

Struggling with low cash reserves, the MCD has demanded Rs 76 crore from the Delhi government for various works carried out before and during the Commonwealth Games in October last year.
The civic agency has demanded money for horticulture works, construction of road under-bridges and cleaning of the Games Village .
"For example, we were to get Rs 50 crore for road under-bridges. Delhi government was to give this money to us but we are yet to get it," Mayor Prithvi Raj Sawhney said.

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