The recent international media attention and the ignominy caused by the glaring lacunae in the run-up to the Common Wealth Games (CWC) have left the state Congress worried.
A section in the party feels that at a time when the state is celebrating its golden jubilee, a leader among them, who is in charge of organising the big event, has shown Congress in poor light.
While the Congress leaders are whispering, the NCP, Shiv Sena and BJP are openly critical about the role of Indian Olympic Association chairman Suresh Kalmadi.
Politicians in public and private have started taking pot shots at this senior Congress leader, a member of parliament from Pune, for the mess in CWG.
At a public meeting, NCP president and Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar received a round of applause by making sarcastic remarks on the games without mentioning Kalmadi’s name.
However, unlike NCP, the Congress appears to have taken the issue more seriously. Its spokesperson Anant Gadgil said: “Maharashtra always held its head high with pride at the Centre because of its great contribution. Whether it’s BR Ambedkar, YB Chavan or Kakasaheb Gadgil — all have made the state proud at the national level.”
Without taking the name of Kalmadi he added, “It feels sad as we are celebrating the glory of Maharashtra which completed 50 years. And amidst this, we have reports which certainly make us bow our heads with shame.”
Gadgil’s three generations have served the Congress.
“I urge the party leadership to step in to salvage the image of the organisation which has taken a beating,” he said.
Party insiders feel that their alliance partners and the opposition may use the issue after the Games to settle scores. “Corrective steps are a must,” said one of them.
