Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, Kalmadi dispel Fennell fears

New Delhi, Sep 14 (PTI) Under attack for New Delhi's
tardy preparation for 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi Chief
Minister Sheila Dikshit and Organising Committee Chairman
Suresh Kalmadi went into a damage control mode Monday,
assuring every glitch would be ironed out to deliver a
successful Games next year.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell's
strongly-worded letter, in which he sought a meeting with
India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to avert a "partial
failure" of the Games, clearly put the organisers in
embarrassment.

Reacting to Fennell's outburst, Dikshit said she would
use every means at her disposal to make it a success, while
Kalmadi announced that he would facilitate the CGF chief's
meeting with the Prime Minister.

Exuding confidence that everything would fall in place,
Dikshit said the Delhi Government would complete all work
"well in time" although it was little "nervous" about the
preparation.

"We are satisfied as well nervous about the preparation
for the prestigious event," Dikshit said.

"He (Fennel) met me one month ago and conveyed his
concern about the power situation. I told him that the city
will have adequate power during the event," Dikshit said after
a Cabinet meeting which is understood to have discussed the
issue.


On the recent criticism by the CAG about slow progress of
the infrastructure projects, Dikshit said the audit body had
prepared the report last month based on status of works
six months back.
"They have the right to criticise. But we are working very
hard. We are looking at all alternatives. Nation's pride is
involved with the event and we will do everything possible to
make it a success," she said.

Kalmadi, on his part, said he would arrange Fennell's
meeting with the Prime Minister so that the CGF chief "does
not have doubts in his mind".

"Most of the issues have been addressed and I will be
happy to take Mr Fennell to the PM and discuss all the issues
whatever he has. He should not have any doubt in mind,"
Kalmadi said.

"I am happy to say that the PM, the Government of India,
Sports Minister M S Gill and Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit are all
supporting the Games. There should not be any doubt that all
the venues will be ready in time. All the infrastructure will
be ready in the dates promised, that is in December and
February next year," he said.

On the issue of the organisers' "reluctance to recruit
experience from overseas" raised by Fennell, Kalmadi said he
was for using a "judicious mix" of Indian and foreign
professionals. PTI MPB
DDC