2010: Commonwealth Games: The hallmark of shame I f other big ticket scams under UPA government caused outrage within the country, the Commonwealth Games scam attracted international attention. The UPA government turned the prestigious games into a hallmark of shame.
Even before the start of the games, news about huge irregularities in giving away contracts to build the game village and buy equipments hit Indian media. The news reverberated strongly in the participating country immediately. There were speculations about compromised quality of sports facilities. As a result many star athletes from many countries, including Australia and England, boycotted the Games.
The Central Vigilance Commission found: Discrepancies in tenders like payment to non-existent parties Delays in execution of contracts Over-inflated price and bungling in purchase of equipments. According to the CAG, the estimated loss due to the irregularities was Rs 70,000 crore. The UPA government tried to protect Congress leader and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, as usual. But in face of overwhelming evidence against his involvement, he was arrested and sent to Tihar jail. Opposition parties alleged that Kalma-
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