No irregularities in National Games: Kerala govt

Kerala government today refuted the charges of irregularities in preparation of the 35th National Games in the state, levelled by Opposition leader and CPI(M) veteran V S Achuthanandan.
"Complete transparency has been maintained while executing the works and multi-level monitoring of process are in place," Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told reporters here.
Most of the construction work connected with the Games was fast getting completed and sports equipment was also on its way, he said.
Achuthanandan had recently said that arrangements for the Games, scheduled to be held from January 31 to February 14, were heading to a 'Commonwealth Games model' corruption.

CPI(M) politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had even warned that the LDF led opposition would boycott the Games, being held in the state after a 27 year gap, "if there is corruption in its conduct".
The Minister rubbished Achuthanandan's charges, saying one could not compare the Commonwealth Games with the National Games. While the total budget for the former was Rs 5,393.8 crore, it was Rs 611 crore for the National Games.

Pointing out that the Rs 611 crore budget had been made in 2009, he said the organising committee was trying to keep expenses within that limit with the objective of having the most cost effective National Games in history.

On the significance of the National Games, he said this was the first time it would be held in seven districts in 31 venues.
In all other games, events used to be held in venues of a particular town or district, he pointed out.
The minister sought the co-operation of all in the state for the smooth conduct of the games and said the 'Run Kerala Run' event organised as a curtain raiser on January 20 was getting unprecedented support from all sections of society.
On the allegation that a private event management firm had been chosen as organisers of the event after bypassing some others, Radhakrishnan said the company was selected through due process and their bid was the lowest.

Cricket icon and National Games brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar would participate at the Run Kerala Run event here, he added.