The issue of alleged large-scale corruption in the Commonwealth Games (CWG) projects today rocked Lok Sabha with the entire opposition attacking the government accusing it of allowing "loot" of public money.
Members of the BJP, JD(U), Left parties and Samajwadi Party targetted the government on the issue, with the Left demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe charges of corruption in the games projects.
Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy was not allowed to respond to the charges by an angry opposition, which wanted the reply only after a full-fledged debate.
After an hour-long impromptu debate, Speaker Meira Kumar adjourned the House ahead of the lunch recess as heated exchanges between opposition and treasury benches continued with the latter protesting vociferously for not listening to the government's version.
CPI(M) leader Basudeb Acharia demanded setting up of a JPC on the "large-scale corruption scam", alleging that while a cricket stadium in Hyderabad was constructed at Rs 90 crore, the renovation of Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Delhi cost over Rs 961 crore.
"There is no accountability. No one has been held responsible. Government says it does not have money to supply foodgrains," Acharia said, with Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) saying this was "a loot of public money" as over Rs 50,000 crore was being spent on the games.
Seeking to counter the opposition, Congress member Sanjay Nirupam said it does not behove some of the opposition leaders to talk about corruption, a statement that led to protests. "You can't hang a person against whom charges have been made without trial".
Dasgupta said "it is a matter of shame, of dereliction of duty. This government is unable to manage rising prices. At least, they should manage the games properly". India's dignity was being lowered in the international fora by reports of corruption in the CWG projects, he added.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, he recalled that in the 1982 Asian Games, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was personally monitoring the projects by visiting the sites.
"What is happening today is total chaos and disaster, bringing the country to shame. ... You (government) are proving to the world that India is incapable of holding the games. Shame," he said.
Noting that he respected the independent status of the sports bodies responsible for organising the games, he said "they can't hold the country to ransom. The government is responsible."
JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said the CWG was "a game of (erstwhile) colonial nations" and it was being organised in a "frivolous manner".
