Kalmadi tries to shine among college,school students

Beleaguered Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi today made attempts to make his presence felt at the Pune International Marathon,which he started 25 years ago.

Beleaguered Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi today made attempts to make his presence felt at the Pune International Marathon,which he started 25 years ago. As he exercised his vocal chords over the mike,the crowd cheered and clapped but for stars like Vivek Oberoi and Sameera Reddy who obliged them with smiles and autographs.

In its silver jubilee year,the marathon was supposed to be flagged off from Alka Chowk at 7 in the morning,but took off half an hour late as Kalmadi seized the opportunity to address the crowd,mainly comprising college and school students. The young crowd seemed more interested in capturing the stars on their cellphones than listening to Kalmadi. What scam? There are so many scams all around,people are not bothered, said S Kale,who was trying to control the crowd.

Kalmadi turned up with his usual band of partymen and spent time honouring those who shared the stage with him even as participants waited for the event to start. Among those Kalmadi felicitated were Forest Minister Patangrao Kadam,Sports Minister Pratil Patil and even Shiv Sena MP Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil who surprised many by his presence as his party has been highly critical of Kalmadi. The stars also did not mind being felicitated by the Congress leader facing arrest following allegations of corruption in the conduct of Commonwealth Games.

The MP denied the allegations. As the half and full marathons were being flagged off,Kalmadi took centrestage flanked by actors and politicians. In bright red T-shirt,he stood in the middle,rarely putting on a smile,flitted from one corner of the stage to another and again grabbed the mike,trying to cheer participants. Congratulations Amway,the biggest group…2000 participants, he said. For once,the biggest roar went up.

Mayor Mohan Rajpal Singh and Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Zagade kept a distance from Kalmadi. Finally,when it was time to dish out bytes,Kalmadi was at his traditional best. He was very very confident as he spoke about the event, said Milind Wagle who interviewed the Congress leader for Doordarshan. Kalmadi then trailed the runners around the city,joining the stars in waving to the crowd along the routes.

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