Congress distances itself from Aiyar's Games remarks

NEW DELHI: Congress today distanced itself from senior party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks that he would be "unhappy" if the Commonwealth Games were a success and that only "evil" will patronise such events.

"Since the Games are being held in India, we do hope that Commonwealth Games will be very successful. Our all well wishes for the Games. I don't know in what context he (Aiyar) made the remarks," Party spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed told reporters here.

Ahmed, however, evaded a query on whether Aiyar's remarks coming after the party's recent directive asking leaders not to speak out of turn and confine their comments to their areas of responsibility amounts to indiscipline.

"The context will have to be... I have said whatever I have to say on the issue" was the refrain of the party spokesperson when pressed on the issue.

Earlier in the day, Aiyar, former union sports minister, told reporters outside Parliament House, "I am delighted in a way because rains are causing difficulties for the Commonwealth Games. Basically, I will be very unhappy, if the Games are successful because then they will start bringing Asian Games, Olympic Games and all these."

He also lashed out at the massive expenditure being incurred for the October event.

Reacting to his remarks, Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit said, "I do not take him seriously."

BJP, which has also raised questions about the preparations and the manner in which funds were being used, said irresponsible statements should not be made on the issue.