PM to promise action against corrupt games

After Ms Sonia Gandhi goaded the government leadership to step forward and insulate Congress from attack over corruption in the Commonwealth Games preparations, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to promise Parliament firm action against the guilty.

The Congress core committee, which discussed the Commonwealth sleaze at its last meeting, was clear that the government should be seen to be acting against those swindling public funds. The prime minister, who is expected to carry out Congress’ directive, will tell Parliament, probably on Monday, that a thorough probe will be held into the Games deals after its conclusion.

Despite a series of media expose, highlighting corruption in the games preparations, the government leadership had remained a passive observer. Sports minister M S Gill went to the extent of making a ridiculous suggestion that those who have complaints against the Games organisers should use RTI.

Many in Congress feel that much of the embarrassment could have been averted had there been timely intervention by the government leadership. The government also did precious little to ensure coordination among various agencies involved in the Games execution. It also allowed Mr Suresh Kalmadi to have a larger role. “A high-level meeting was held only after Ms Gandhi’s prodding and a decision to set up a high-level panel taken,” said a Congress leader.

On Saturday, the prime minister gave overriding powers to a committee headed by the cabinet secretary to oversee functioning of the Organising Committee. GoM was also empowered to take all necessary decisions for the smooth conduct of the sporting event and refer any matter that may require consideration to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee for a final decision.

On Sunday, the GoM met to discuss the details of the opening ceremony. “Primarily the focus was on delivery of the Games and preparation of the various items required for the opening ceremony,” urban development minister and chairman of GoM S Jaipal Reddy told reporters here.