Done no wrong, will make statement in Parliament: Kalmadi

Mon, Nov 29 10 03:22 PM

New Delhi, Nov 29 (PTI) With CWG Organising Committee in the focus of probe into corruption charges, its chief Suresh Kalmadi today said he was ready to answer all queries of investigating agencies, claiming he has done no wrong, and was willing to give a statement in Parliament. Welcoming the probe into the alleged wrongdoings into the Games, he said, "I will give my statement on the issue in Parliament. "I met the Speaker and told her that I will give my statement in the Lok Sabha and she said I can do so when the Parliament starts functioning," Kalmadi told reporters on his return from China after attending the Asian Games there. Refusing to discuss the ongoing probe, he said, "All matters are subjudice but I would say that I have not done anything wrong even in a single thing.... I welcome the investigations and will answer all their queries." The Organising Committee has come scanner and three of Kalmadi''s close associates in it have already been arrested by CBI for alleged irregularities in the conduct of Games held here in October. "Some channel is saying that I am missing. I had gone to Guangzhou," Kalmadi said while referring to some media reports which suggested that he was absconding to avoid probe. He said the CWG OC was responsible only for the conduct of Games and its opening and closing ceremonies which had a budget of Rs 1,500 to 1,700 crore, of which Rs 1,400 crore has been spent till now. "We had no role in construction as it was being done by other agencies. Our responsibilty was to organise the Games and the opening and closing ceremonies. Construction was being looked after by others and they will reply on those issues," he added. Kalmadi said after the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games and the performance of athletes in the Asian games, India has emerged as a sporting power. "I went to Guangzhou and after that to Monaco as the President of Asian Athletic Federation and everywhere people say India has become a sporting power and someday India can host the Olympics. This is their view and not my view. They are very happy with our performance in the CWG," he added. Kalmadi also credited the Prime Minister for the medal-winning streak of athletes by allocating money for them. PTI AJD ARU AKK SKU SC

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