Games, lies and videotape

'Delhi is fully prepared for the Commonwealth Games': The state government will leave no stone unturned to sell you this line. Never mind broken roads and flooded stadia. Karan Choudhury reports.

'Delhi is fully prepared for the Commonwealth Games': The state government will leave no stone unturned to sell you this line. Never mind broken roads and flooded stadia — the proof before your eyes — Delhi is ready because CM Sheila Dikshit's on tape giving Games preparedness both thumbs up!

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Delhi government's Games publicity campaign has moved beyond the giant banners of the now-malnutritioned Shera. So next time you are at your nearest movie theatre, do not be surprised to find Dikshit on the big screen making bigger promises of a successful Games. A promotional video that is to be screened during movie intervals, will feature Delhiites, a few top Indian athletes, the CM and — yes — unfinished projects.

According to Delhi Government sources, the CM is set to launch one of these videos next week.

"The video features Delhiites and the theme is 'Dilli Meri Jaan'. This video will be launched by the CM and then would be played on the television as well as in theatres during intervals," said a senior official in the Delhi Government.

A preview of sorts was screened on Independence.

"As it was Independence Day we wanted people to watch the video. So we distributed it at a select few movie theatres all over the city so that people could get a first hand feel of it. But officially it is yet to be launched," added the official.

The video however does not seem to have gone down well.

"I saw it at a theatre in Saket. A bunch of people dance without any rhythm or choreography. How can they assure that the Games would be conducted smoothly when none of the work is complete?" said Rateesh Dangwal, an MBA aspirant.

With nothing concrete to show in the name of completed projects, all the video features is some unfinished roads, a few athletes like wrestler Sushil Kumar and boxer Vijender Singh, Delhi cops and locals dancing in front of India Gate.

"The main idea of the video is to instill confidence among people that the Games would happen smoothly come what may."