Government rejects JPC probe into Games projects

The government rejected on Tuesday the opposition’s demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into allegations of corruption in Commonwealth Games (CWG) preparations, but said it was ready for a probe after the end of the event on October 15.

A spirited opposition tried to put the government on the mat after sports minister MS Gill brushed aside all “inflated” figures projected by it.

The opposition parties  walked out separately as most  did not want to be seen making a common cause with BJP.
The walkouts began after Gill said the parties should take the RTI route for information on Games projects.  Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said the minister had belittled parliament and led an NDA walkout.

Later, Gill tried to make amends. Backed by ruling MPs, he said the opposition had misunderstood him. “We are ready to provide any information if approached for specifics,” he clarified.

Gill’s attempt to rebutt the allegations met with a stiff resistance from NDA benches. While JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav wanted specific information on how a whopping Rs970 crore was spent on renovation of Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, BJP MP Anurag Thakur raised specific instances of corruption in Games preparations.

Thakur demanded a probe into the deal with London-based firm AM Films, which was given the contract for supplying cars and related services during the Queen’s Baton Relay launch in London last year.

Responding to the allegations, Gill said the government was ready for any probe after October 15. “At present, let the focus be on sportspersons when the Games are not far off. Nothing will be hidden or covered up,” he said.

Gill maintained that all was well with the preparations and the government had spared no effort to provide best facilities to the 12,000 sportspersons. He said his ministry was behind the sacking of CWG organising committee joint director general TS Darbari.