Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi was snubbed by the ministry of defence (MoD) recently when he asked for the use of defence aircraft for movement of the Queen’s Baton Relay in India.
The MoD took the view that sparing defence aircraft is not feasible and suggested that the organising committee use commercial aircraft instead. The CGOC wanted the use of defence aircraft for movement of the baton relay to “difficult areas” such as J&K and the Northeast.
The baton relay carries a message from Queen Elizabeth II that is read out at the opening ceremony. It is scheduled to be taken to all 28 states before the Games begin. The CGOC is now contemplating leaving out some states.
But the MoD said if a “genuine problem arises” in working out movements in “difficult areas”, the MoD could “examine coordination of these activities with movement of defence aircraft”. Sources said the MoD stated that use of defence aircraft was “not feasible” due to operational commitments.
But Mr Kalmadi appears confident the MoD will “coordinate activities with movement of defence aircraft in difficult areas”.
Defence sources told this newspaper the MoD had also made it clear that Mr Kalmadi should spell out the assistance required instead of asking for the quantum of Army officers required and specific ranks as it is the MoD’s prerogative to decide such matters.