Kalmadi surfaces, says he won’t quit

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Friday said he had no intention of stepping down before the Games. He said he could consider such a move only if told by the Prime Minister and the Congress President. HT reports

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Friday said he had no intention of stepping down before the Games. He said he could consider such a move only if told by the Prime Minister and the Congress President.

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“I will not resign. But I can consider such a move after the Games only if asked to by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or Sonia Gandhi (Congress president),” he told reporters. The games panel is facing widespread allegations of financial bungling and mismanagement of resources.

“A probe is on, we will see its results. We are doing a great job,” he said while unveiling the medals for the October 3 to 14 sporting event.

Kalmadi said instead of stepping down, he would punish those found guilty. “If some action is (found to be) wrong, then definitely I will not spare anyone who is responsible for it There is no charge against me, it is against somebody else,” he said.

In an interview to a TV channel earlier in the day, Kalmadi had hinted at resigning if asked by the Prime Minister, the Congress President or the Indian Olympic Association that he heads.

The corruption allegations began with a Central Vigilance Commission report that pointed out financial bungling in handing of construction and other contracts.

Kalmadi said his first priority was to make a success of the Games and “will not run away from responsibility”. “Let the inquiry report come out. There is nothing to be ashamed of,” Kalmadi said in the interview to the TV channel.

About the OC’s suspended joint director TS Darbari and other officials under the scanner, Kalmadi said he had faith in all the 2000 officials.