New Delhi:
The man who positioned himself as the face of the Commonwealth Games in India has been sacked. Suresh Kalmadi was dismissed as Chairman of the Games' Organizing Committee this evening.
His deputy, Lalit Bhanot, has also been fired as Secretary General.
The Organising Committee's term ended in October, after the Games ended. But it was asked to continue to ensure that there was some accountability as the CBI began unraveling the trail of financial irregularities.
But in the months since, both Kamadi and Bhanot have been accused by the CBI of trying to obstruct its inquiry into the corruption that headlined the Games.
Sports Minister Ajay Maken who took over five days ago said, "In the light of the concerns expressed by the CBI and in the interest of impartial and unhindered investigations, it has been decided to remove Kalmadi from the position of the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and the position of Chairman, Executive Board of the organizing, CWG, with immediate effect,"(
Read: Government's official statement on sacking Suresh Kalmadi)
Kalmadi said this evening that he will not step down from his other post as President of the Indian Olympic Association. (
Watch: Won't quit as Indian Olympic Association chief, says Kalmadi)
The months leading up to the Games saw a waterfall of allegations of corruption. Contracts showed firms being overpaid, being chosen out of turn, or receiving disproportionately large advances.
Media reports suggested many of these contracts had been signed by Kalmadi and company with healthy kickbacks built in.
As the international delegates began arriving in Delhi for the Games, the corruption that had become the watermark of the Games in India was replaced by the overwhelming lack of preparedness.
Foreign delegates were taken on a tour of the Athletes Village and found dogs' paw-marks on white bed sheets.
Bathrooms had filthier remains.
The story travelled to every major international paper and TV channel. Kalmadi tried to deflect the blame to the Delhi government, among others. Few bought his story.
The spectacular Opening Ceremony received rave reviews at home and abroad, but did little to redeem Kalmadi. At the Closing Ceremony, he was booed.
In November 2010, Congress axed Suresh Kalmadi as Secretary of the Congress Parliamentary Party.