Commonwealth Games will be a proud moment for India: PM

NEW DELHI: Asking people to treat the Commonwealth Games as a national festival, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today exuded confidence that the country will successfully host the October event, preparations for which have been plagued by controversies.

"The Commonwealth Games will start in Delhi after about one-and-a-half months. This will be a proud moment for the whole country and especially for Delhi," Singh said addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

"I am convinced that all our countrymen will treat the Games as a national festival and will leave no stone unturned to make them a success," he said.

The Prime Minister said a successful Delhi Games would also be a signal that India is rapidly marching ahead.

"The successful organisation of Commonwealth Games would be another signal to the world that India is rapidly marching ahead with confidence," he said.

The preparations for Commonwealth Games have been marred by a spate of corruption charges and delay in construction works following which the Prime Minister stepped in and gave overriding powers to a committee of secretaries to supervise the event.

Observing that there have been slippages in time schedules and deficiencies, Singh yesterday directed thorough probes into complaints of procedural and other irregularities by the ministries concerned and said that those found guilty should face severe and exemplary punishment.