Mani Shankar Aiyar says he may not get a chance to speak on Commonwealth Games in Rajya Sabha

After stirring up a controversy with his remarks on Commonwealth Games and later pledging silence, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar today said he may not get a chance to speak if a discussion is held in Rajya Sabha on alleged diversion of funds in Delhi for the event.

"There would be a discussion on the issue in the House. But I doubt whether I would be given any chance to speak on it," Aiyar told reporters outside Parliament when asked about the opposition's demand for a discussion on the alleged diversion of SC/ST funds by the Delhi government.

Asked whether it is normal to divert such funds, the MP said, "I have never been a chief minister, so I do not know."

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice during the Question Hour as opposition parties led by BSP disrupted proceedings over alleged diversion of SC/ST funds for the Commonwealth Games by the Delhi government. Chief minister Shiela Dikshit has, however, denied the charge.

The 69-year-old politician, a stern critic of the Delhi Games, had recently created a furore by saying that he would be unhappy if the CWG were a success and that only "evil" would support such an event.

Soon after his unsavoury remarks, Aiyar pledged that he will not speak on the Games till it is over but rejected reports that he was asked by his party seniors to keep mum on the subject.

He also said his outburst against the Commonwealth Games has opened up "a can of worms" which was evident from the alleged corruption charges that have rocked the October 3-14 sporting extravaganza.