Kalmadi, the pariah

So dark is the shadow of corruption in last year’s Commonwealth Games that organisers of the National Games, scheduled to start in Ranchi from February 12, are unable to find anyone to inaugurate the event and may have to settle for Jharkhand Governor MOH Farooq and Chief Minister Arjun Munda. Earlier, the President’s office agreed to the offer, but later said the president would be unable to inaugurate the event. The organisers then extended the invitation to the vice-president, who said he was not free. The prime minister’s office also turned down the invitation. Sports Minister Ajay Maken regretted he would not be able to attend the Games as he would be on an official tour. Apparently, the single-biggest deterrent is the presence of Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi at the Games, since no one is willing to share the stage with him. Meanwhile, M S Dhoni will be the chief guest and star attraction at the event.