BJP expresses dismay over Queen's inability to attend CWG ceremony

Reports of Queen Elizabeth's non-participation in the inaugural function of the Commonwealth Games dismayed the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) with its National General Secretary Vijay Goel rejecting her hectic schedule plea.

Expressing dismay and concern over the issue, Mr Goel said, ''This refusal of Queen Elizabeth II reflects on the pride of Indian.'' ''Already marred with lots of controversies over preparations and security issues, the refusal would further add to the over-hyped concerns,'' he added.

He blamed the callous attitude of the CWG Organising Committee for all the controversies engulfing the games. ''There have been reports that the Auditor General had raised finger on the expenses for games in his report,'' Mr Goel said.

Despite demands from all quarters, neither the OC nor the Delhi government put their expense details on web-site, he added.

Saying that after the Queen's refusal to come to India, the matter has slipped out of the hands of OC, the BJP leader said now the onus lies with the Union Government.

''GOI should take up the matter at the highest level because Queen's non-participation sends a wrong message to the people,'' Mr Goel opined.

The plea given by the authorities concerned that Queen's schedule is too hectic holds no ground as the Calendar for the games is decided 12 years in advance, he stated.

This will be for the first time over 40 years that Queen will not be attending Commonwealth games scheduled to be held from October 3-14.