Ministry turns on heat, boots out Kalmadi
Kalmadi’s close aid Lalit Bhanot, Secretary General of the OC was also fired from the post. The decision to remove him and Bhanot was taken by the new Sports Minister Ajay Maken after taking legal opinion from the Attorney General. The Minister also announced that he was consulting with Ministry of Law to remove Kalmadi from the post of the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Maken, who took charge of the Ministry barely five days ago, said that both Kalmadi and Bhanot have been removed in light of the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over allegations of corruption and irregularities in organisation and conduct of Commonwealth Games.
“In the light of the concerns expressed by the CBI and in the interest of impartial and unhindered investigations, it has been decided to remove Kalmadi from the position of the Chairman of the Organising Committee and the position of Chairman, Executive Board of the organising, CWG, with immediate effect”, Maken said. Kalmadi has been directed to hand over charge to Jarnail Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the OC, who is also a Member of the OC’s Executive Board, he said. Bhanot was also asked to hand over the charge to Jarnail.
Asked whether Kalmadi will also be removed as the President of IOA, Maken said, “We have sought legal opinion from the Attorney General, and we are in the process of seeking legal opinion whenever and whichever places necessary. We will take action only after seeking legal opinion.”
Despite get the stick, Kalmadi appeared unfazed and said that he is ready for any probe and would continue being the president of the IOA. Kalmadi, however, refused to comment on his sacking, but said he is cooperating with the investigating agencies. “I have no idea about the removal. I am ready to face any probe,” he said.
National Games
Kalmadi, meanwhile, said the 34th National Games will be held as per schedule from February 12 to 26.
“National Games will be held as scheduled. Khelgaon has international standard stadium,” Kalmadi told newsmen after inspecting the Mega Sports Complex at Khelgaon here.