BJP to launch agitation seeking probe into corruption charges

Delhi BJP chief Vijendra Gupta, targeting the city government as well as Games' Organising Committee(OC), said they will stage a demonstration near Parliament on Monday to demand a through probe into all allegations of corruption in the projects.

"The alleged money trail to the United Kingdom has exposed the financial bunglings involving the Organising Committee. Why the central Government is keeping mum? There should be thorough investigation into it," he told reporters.

The Games were hit by an alleged major scam after the British Government raised questions about a substantial sum of money which was transferred to A M Films from the OC.

Reports claimed that over 4.50 lakh pounds were transferred through a British bank to the company, which was also said to be receiving 25,000 pounds a month for costume designing.

Gupta said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi must explain spending of "every paisa" in the name of preparation for the Games.

The city BJP chief said BJP wants the Games to be organised successfully but equally those involved in "financial bunglings" must be punished.

Referring to a Central Vigilance Commission report, the BJP leader said severe financial irregularities have been committed with respect to almost all projects being implemented by the city government.

The CVC report says almost all organisations executing infrastructure works for Commonwealth Games have flouted rules in tenders and increased their prices, suggesting that contractors have been paid more than the right price.

According to an assessment report prepared by CVC's Chief Technical Examination Wing, large-scale procedural violations, including corruption, have been noticed in 14 projects.
The report has been sent to all central government and Delhi government departments responsible for handling the Games works.

Gupta also said cost of most of the Games projects has increased manifold following delays. He said total project cost to redevelop Yamuna Sports Complex has increased from Rs 200 crore to Rs 300 crore.

"Similarly the estimated cost of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was Rs 580 crore which has increased to Rs 890 crore," he said.