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Journalism of Courage
Unfazed by questions over cleanliness and maintenance at Commonwealth Games Village,government said these are “not major” issues and insisted that the image of the country has not been affected by such questions raised by the Games Federation.
He claimed that the Games next month would be “absolutely world class” and no opinion should be formed before that.
“There are complaints about cleanliness and maintenance but these complaints are being addressed. More labourers and officials have been pressed into service,” Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy said.
“It is not a major issue,” said Reddy,who is head of the Group of Ministers on the Commonwealth Games.
He was responding when referred to Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Mike Hooper’s criticism of the cleanliness of the Games village,saying it was “filthy and uninhabitable” but hoped that the mess would be sorted out in the next two days.
“I will ask not to form any judgement before the Games.India’s image has not been affected. Please do not form any opinion before the Games. Image of the Games will be known by the way we conduct the conduct the Games,” Reddy said.
He expressed confidence that the Games will be held successfully. “I am 100 per cent sure and I have no doubt about the success of the event,” the Minister said.
Asked whether there is any plan for the government to take over control of the organisation of the Games from CWG Organising Committee headed by Suresh Kalmadi,Reddy ruled it out,saying “no one will change the horse midstream”.
