Will you be unhappy if Games succeed?

GN Bureau | July 28, 2010



Former central minister and Rajya Sabha member Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again criticised the hosting of the Commonwealth Games, going so far as to say that he would be unhappy if the event was a success. He has said those opposing the Games were on the side of the good while those in its favour were with the evil.

He has made this argument before: that a developing country like India with its myriad of problems cannot afford to spend Rs 35,000 crore (his estimate) on the Games. In the name of national prestige, a lot of money, taxpayers' hard-earned money, is going down the drain thanks to misgovernance. If this amount  were spent on providing training to children at grassroots level, they would bring honour for the country in the international events.

On the other hand, Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi as well as many sportspersons have criticised the former sports minister for his disparaging comments. In any case, what's the point of playing spoilsport at this eleventh hour?

What do you say: will you be unhappy a la Mani if it rains and the big event is a flop show?

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