New Delhi:
Suresh Kalmadi, in jail for corruption related to the Commonwealth Games, has found a voice of support. Digvijaya Singh, his party's General Secretary, said today that he is sure Mr Kalmadi is innocent and should get bail.
"We feel sorry for Suresh Kalmadi who is suffering hardships, and also for Ashok Chavan. In my personal opinion, both of them are innocent. But whenever any corruption charges are levelled, Sonia ji has to take action," Digvijaya Singh said addressing party workers in Pune, which is Mr Kalmadi's turf.
Mr Kalmadi became the face of the Commonwealth Games that were held in September last year. They were anchored in mismanagement and sweetheart deals to firms that provided equipment and services for the different venues and events.
(Watch: CWG scam - Suresh Kalmadi to pay for the losses?)Mr Kalmadi was Chairman of the Organising Committee. The overwhelming public sentiment against him was obvious at the Closing Ceremony of the Games, when an entire stadium heckled him. Congress President Sonia Gandhi was seen shaking her head when he thanked her in the same speech.
The disapproval was expressed more firmly a few months later when in November last year, he was sacked as secretary of the Parliamentary Party of the Congress.
Mr Kalmadi was arrested on April 25, and also suspended from the membership of the Congress.
(Read: Kalmadi arrested, suspended by Congress)He stirred another controversy a few weeks ago when he was seen having tea and biscuits with a senior official at Tihar Jail. Officers presumed guilty of offering him VIP treatment were transferred immediately.
(Watch: Three jail officials suspended for tea in Tihar)