BJP ups offensive on water, Commonwealth Games

Goel launches public forum to track govt spending on Games

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Goel on Friday announced the formation of a ‘Citizens’ Forum for the Commonwealth Games’ to keep a close watch on public money expenditure during the Games.

Goel alleged most Games projects were running behind schedule and the Games organising committee has been paying more to contractors for hastening work to meet the deadline.

Goel also alleged widespread irregularities in the spending and demanded a white paper from the government detailing how funds are being spent. “Daily updates should be put up on a website for proper public scrutiny, where details of tenders, quotations, and whether empanelled bidders alone were being given contracts, should be mentioned,” Goel said. “There have been reports of delays in various projects and we fear major embarrassment will be caused if Delhi is found under-prepared for the event.”

Goel said a run will be organised on December 6 from the National Stadium to the organising committee head office at Jantar Mantar. “The ‘Run to stop delays and waste of public money in Commonwealth Games’ is an effort to create awareness among people that their money is being spent and therefore it should be used judiciously.”

An additonal Rs 200 crore has been asked for infrastructure, while Delhi Jal Board, which was allocated Rs 1,400 crore, has asked for another Rs 600 crore, Goel claimed