MP govt not responsible for treatment meted out to Usha: Pawar

Usha, who is here for the 49th National Open Athletics Championship, broke down in tears as she lambasted Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials yesterday for the shabby treatment of athletes, after she was provided sub-standard accommodation.

Pawar said it was SAI's responsibility to ensure proper accomodation for Usha.
"Since SAI was supposed to make all arrangements for her visit and there was no information to the state government about her programme, an unfortunate incident took place which is very saddening," Pawar told reporters after opening the Athletics meet.

"Had she or SAI informed us in advance I would have accorded her State Guest's status in accordance with her stature by requesting Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan," he said.

Pawar said after the goof up, a minister of the state government has met her and shifted her to posh Jehannuma Hotel of the city.

"This morning I spoke to her (Usha) and she said that she is comfortable now," he said.
To a query on whether he would order any inquiry into the incident, the minister said that the issue is an internal matter of SAI.