Kalmadi should have resigned: Maken
Sports minister, Ajay Maken, was in no mood for diplomacy when he said that Suresh Kalmadi, who was released on bail on Thursday, should have quit from the post of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president after being accused of corruption charges.
Sports minister, Ajay Maken, was in no mood for diplomacy when he said that Suresh Kalmadi, who was released on bail on Thursday, should have quit from the post of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president after being accused of corruption charges.
"He should have resigned," said Maken on Friday.
While appreciating the fact that Kalmadi hadn't "insisted" on keeping the position, Maken pointed out that had there been a proper mechanism in place, the tainted IOA chief wouldn't have been left with even that choice.
"It shouldn't be left to the wisdom of the accused to decide whether he wants to continue or not," said Maken.
"For someone who has been at that position for more than 12 years and has been accused of misusing it for personal gains, resigning should be the only option."
Maken also reinforced the "importance of the Sports Bill", saying, "It will bring in the kind of transparency needed in every sports federation.
"People should now understand its importance and the kind of dilemmas it may help to avoid," the minister said.
The minister, though not speculating on the number of medals India would bag in London, said he was sure of a better performance than Beijing.
Kalmadi asks Malhotra to continue
Despite mounting pressure, Kalmadi has not stepped down as the IOA president. He, however, has decided to stay away from the IOA for the time being.
According to sources in the IOA, Kalmadi has sent a letter to acting president VK Malhotra saying that he would not be able to resume his duties as the president immediately because of his "prolong absence".
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