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Critism a 'conspiracy' says Kalmadi

Games organising chief Suresh Kalmadi believes the Commonwealth's western countries have conspired to unleash the scathing criticism which has marred the buildup to the games.

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Source: AAP


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In an interview with CNN India, Kalmadi was questioned about the constant criticism of the New Delhi Games over claims of corruption within the organising committee, the massive delays in construction and substandard building work.

When asked whether the criticism was a conspiracy from western countries who could not accept that India could organise a successful Games, Kalmadi agreed.

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"Definitely, that's part of it," he said.

Pressed further on whether the western countries had conducted a conspiracy to damage India's reputation in the world, he said "I don't want to say to much but we'll talk after the Games are over."

Before the Games open on Sunday, they have been blighted not only by terrorism threats and a dengue fever plague, but construction deadlines which have been missed by months, a footbridge at the main stadium collapsing last week and filthy, unsafe and incomplete apartments at the athletes village.

But, as chairman of the Games organising committee, Kalmadi said he never thought of resigning during the controversy, even when he was caught up in accusations of corruption in the issuing of contracts for Games work.

"Never, never, my team of 4000 people is working day and night to make this a great games and I have the full support of the government," he said.

He said he wants an inquiry held after the Games to clear his name of all accusations.

And while he accepts the blame for the delays in construction and the chaos of the athletes village, he is still confident the Games will succeed.

"I will take the blame but I don't listen to much ... but when the Games are over, I hope I get the credit," he said.

He also said Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper should also take some responsibility for the failures in preparation rather than just blame the Indian government and the organising committee.

"Mike Hooper has been in Delhi for the past four years and he should have known what was happening, there's no point blaming the government," he said.

"Definitely, he could have done much more, I could have done much more."


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