New Delhi:
Under fire for the appalling state of preparedness ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Sports Minister MS Gill chose humour to take on the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha today.
With just 55 days left for the games, Gill said there was no alternative but to host them with success.
Answering questions on the incomplete stadia, the Sports Minister said, "What is there to examine? Nothing is ready," adding, "if a
baraat is coming we will welcome them with fanfare. Have faith in India. India will get there."
Referring to the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission and CAG, he said the agencies must speed up action and "catch whoever is (responsible)".
"We will write to the highest authorities to catch the culprits. Will look into everything and bring it before the country," the minister said as the Parliament discussed the Commonwealth Games and the Opposition demanded an explanation for various irregularities.
However, he rejected the demand from nominated member Mani Shankar Aiyar for a high-level committee on the lines of the one set up in the country for the 1982 Asian Games, stating "these committees serve nothing."
In a dig at his predecessor, Gill said Aiyar "has vast international experience but I also have my administrative judgement. If more committees could solve the problem of the country, we could have 10 more, but that is not a solution".
Aiyar made the demand for an apex committee headed by Gill to oversee the functioning of the games "in view of the patent failure to deliver untainted and clear games".
Suresh Kalmadi, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, has set up a three-member team to investigate those allegations.
The team's report on whether crores - much of it taxpayers' money - was mismanaged is expected today. (With PTI inputs)