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NEW DELHI, August 7, 2010 Development model promoted in the name of Games flayed
A book titled “It's Common V/S Wealth” exposing the “myths and realities” of the Commonwealth Games was released at Gandhi Peace Foundation here on Friday.
The book penned by Kapil Mishra, an activist and social entrepreneur, details the development model promoted in the name of the Games, raises questions on accountability and transparency, and assesses the Games in context of democratic values and principles. The book also poses questions for the Delhi Government and Organising Committee.
Those who spoke at the occasion include BJP national general secretary Vijay Goel, veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar, Magsaysay Award winner Rajendra Singh and Ram Karan Solanki, Pradhan of 307 Khap, Palam village.
‘Take responsibility'
Mr. Goel demanded that Sheila Dikshit and Suresh Kalmadi step down from their respective positions, taking responsibility for the ills plaguing the Games works.
He said the budget for the Games has overshot the outlay that the then BJP Government at the Centre had in mind when it bid for the Commonwealth Games.
Rajendra Singh and Kuldeep Nayar said the Games were imposed on the people without taking them into confidence. Mr. Nayar said that corruption was just one aspect of the Games-related issues. He noted that issues like loot of resources and the leaving out of Delhi residents from the Games preparation have not been discussed enough.
Mr. Singh warned that the development model used to push through various infrastructure projects for the Games will now be replicated across the rest of the country.
