CWG saga: Embarrassment continues, PM to hold meeting

WITH LESS than 11 days left for the much hyped mega event, the XIX Common Wealth Games to begin, there are things galore that require an immediate solution.

As the date approaches, more filth is coming out in the open. The event that was touted to establish India’s image as a rising super power and a country to look upon in the international scenario is bringing more embarrassment. First there were revelations of staggering corruption, then irregularities in awarding contracts. And now quality of the work has come under the scanner.

In the last two days too many incidents have occurred, nation’s image has received beating across the world. Doubts have been raised on the nation’s capability to organize a sporting extravaganza of the magnitude of Commonwealth Games. On September 21, a bridge collapsed right opposite the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, injuring about 28 labourers. The next day a false ceiling broke down in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium raising doubts on the quality of work.

Many countries have expressed their apprehension about the Commonwealth Games and have delayed their arrival. Some of the prominent athletes have rolled back their participation citing poor hygienic condition and unlivable accommodation at Commonwealth Games Village.

Mike Hooper, CEO of the Games termed the Village “filthy” and expressed disappointment over the ambience in and around the Commonwealth Games Village. New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland have raised questions on the quality of accommodation available for their athletes. They have told media persons that stray dogs were roaming running amok, filthy toilets, locks out of order and many more. The videos and images concerning filthy and unlivable Village have reached across nook and corners of the world like wild fire.

Many leading international newspapers and channels are flaking the preparation and quality of services at the Commonwealth Games. Some have expressed serious doubts whether the XIX Commonwealth Games will actually take place.

With nation’s image getting hammered, Prime Minister has decided to convene a meeting today evening to take stock of the situation and salvage nation’s pride. M S Gill, Sports Minister, Jaipal Reddy Urban Development Minister, and other senior bureaucrats are expected to attend the important meeting.

Nobody is taking the responsibility for the mess, whoever is involved is passing the buck to the other. Corruption has taken the toll on the mega event and nation’s prestige. When will the heads start rolling, nobody knows? Can there ever be accountability in our system. Games which were suppose to be better than Beijing Olympics 2008 are struggling to see the light of the day. For a common man, it’s a dicey situation, should support be given to corruption rigged games or nation's pride?