CWG a 'circus' but could have curbed Naxalism in Jharkhand: Aiyar

Terming the upcoming Commonwealth Games a 'circus', former Union Minister for sports Mani Shankar Aiyar today said the Games, nevertheless, could have been organised in regions like Jharkhand and curbed the growth of Naxalism there.

He was interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of a seminar on 'Communal Harmony and Indian National Congress' organised by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) as a part of the celebration of 125th anniversary of the Congress.

Quizzed whether spending a huge amount on an 11-day event was justified in a city where many people did not have a roof, he said, ''The Games are a circus and crores of rupees are being carelessly spent on them. It is against Gandhian teachings, principles and sentiments,'' he added.

'' Delhi is one of the most prosperous regions in India. It would have been better if the Games had been organised in backward regions like Jharkhand,'' Mr Aiyar said.

He also said, ''The huge investment in the infrastructure in such states could trigger development and curb Naxalism.'' The leader has been vocal about his views regarding the Games. As the country's Union Minsiter for Sports in 2007, he had said, ''Whether you organise the Commonwealth Games in Delhi or in Melbourne, the state of people living in the colonies right opposite the Games site will remain the same.'' Asked to comment on Mr Aiyar's statement, DPCC president Jai Prakash Agarwal diplomatically said, '' The views were personal and I had nothing to say on the issue.''