Government's lapses behind hike in Games' cost: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday accused the Delhi government of mismanagement which has led to an increase in expenditure on Commonwealth Games projects.

The party also slammed the Congress-led central government for not taking all parties on board for the preparations of the Games.

Addressing reporters here Saturday, BJP national general secretary Vijay Goel said that expenditure on Games projects has been escalating ever since the first bid was made.

At the time of the first bid, the budget was Rs.1,899 crore; when it was passed by the cabinet in 2007, the budget was Rs.3,566 crore," he said.

"In March 2010, Commonwealth Games Director General V.K. Verma said the expenditure is Rs.10,000 crore, according to the sports minister it is Rs.27,000 crore and a tourism ministry report says it is Rs.87,000 crore, Goel said.

The BJP leader accused the state government of mismanagement leading to increase in expenditure on the Games.

The Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 cost around $14.63 million, the Melbourne Games cost around $1 billion. The 2010 Delhi Games, which are the most expensive so far, will cost around $17.5 billion, Goel said.

He blamed the Congress-led central government for not taking other parties on board for the preparation of the mega-sporting event.

The government has not discussed anything with other political parties. We want the prime Minister to take all political parties in confidence and tell us what is the status of the Games, about the preparation, he said.

He said the Delhi government is fooling people by inaugurating stadia but the construction quality of Games projects is poor.

Goel also indicated that the internal conflict within the organising committee of the Games is also the reason for the increased expenses on the projects.

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and his associates were responsible for the delay, Goel added.

Over 100,000 foreign visitors are expected to throng the capital during the mega-sporting event which is to be held Oct 3-14.