Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit has welcomed the probe announced by the Prime Minister into allegations of corruption related to Commonwealth Games, saying the suspicion of corruption was on the Organising Committee (OC) of the CWG. Meanwhile, OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi said he was ready for any probe.
In an interaction with journalists from a news agency, Ms Dikshit said corruption could have taken place in the activities undertaken by the OC for which the Centre had extended them a loan. The Centre had given `1,620 crores to the OC. The CM said only the probe announced by the PM, which was an almost instantaneous decision, would clear the “cobwebs”.
Ms Dikshit also said everybody was happy with the Games, but that the allegations of corruption were “very disturbing”. Though not ruling out corruption in government departments, Ms Dikshit said the real corruption seems to be with regard to loans (meaning to the OC). She said no probe was planned into corruption issues related to the Delhi government but that such allegations would be investigated if the CAG recommended so.
The CM continued to blame the DDA, EMMAR-MGF and the OC for accepting the Games Village in unliveable and filthy conditions. When the DDA took over, the basements were flooded with water, she said, asking how the DDA could take over the building in such a state. And, subsequently, the OC took it over from the DDA, again in the same state, said the CM. “Why did the OC do so,” she asked.
Talking about the crowd jeering Mr Kalmadi at the opening and closing ceremonies, Ms Dikshit said: “I think Suresh was not able to win the confidence ... they cheered me because I am the face you see.”
Mr Kalmadi, too, issued a statement saying he was ready for any probe and welcomed the initiative taken by the PM in this regard. He also thanked the people, the police forces and volunteers for their support. The PMO has announced probe by a three-member panel headed by former CAG V.K. Shunglu and has sought its report within three months. Ms Dikshit said the almost instantaneous decision to order a probe and have the picture ready by January was very heartening.