Sacking is illegal: Kalmadi

Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday hit back at the Sports Minister Ajay Maken,terming his sacking from the chairmanship of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee as illegal and uncalled for. Kalmadi said that only the Indian Olympic Association,which has appointed him to the post,has the power to remove him.

I am shocked to receive Order dated 24th January 2011,illegally and arbitrarily removing me from the position of Chairman of the Executive Board and the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games. Without prejudice to my rights and contention and in furtherance of my letter wherein it has been stated that the order is illegal and without any jurisdiction,I am handing the charge under protest, Kalmadi wrote to Maken.

Kalmadi contested the ministrys reasoning that he was removed to ensure unhindered probe into alleged corruption in the conduct of the CWG.

It is important for me to point out that I have extended all possible cooperation to all investigating agencies,including the CBI. Further,I have even specifically directed the entire OC,including the CEO,to whom all FA heads report since 2009,to extend all assistance possible to the CBI and cooperate with them to the fullest extent. I have even written to the CBI stating I am available to assist them at any given point of time. In light of the above,the concerns expressed by the CBI are unfounded and the Order dated 24th January 2011 is uncalled for, he said.