Commonwealth Games: What it means to Delhi?

Why is it that without hosting some international sports event, Delhi can’t get its share of development. Earlier, when Delhi hosted 1982 Asian Games, people were gifted with color televisions, the posh south Delhi and The Appu Ghar. And yes, this was the time when people saw furnished roads at places outside the Lutyens Delhi.

Now Delhi is said to be set for Commonwealth Games. Only God knows what will happen, as all the news we are getting, is regarding the work lagging behind. But, this time government intends to gift a lot more to Delhiites. Some big stadiums (which after the games would only be used for marriage parties and ramlilas), many flyovers (alleged to be cracking already), extension of Delhi Metro (the only solace), and the mushrooming Red light areas to sate the carnal desires of tourists among others. Congratulations Delhi!!

INR 80,000 crore is supposed to be spent on CWG. No wonder every other leader is opposing it. WHY??  With that kind of money, these leaders could have done much more important things for the country. For example, Mayawati could've bought herself a cake commensurate with Agra’s size on her birthday, a brand new city named after her or a Dalit leader. While Indian rice and sugar is going wasted in godowns, Sharad Pawar could’ve imported more rice and sugar  to meet (his) demands (through commissions) , he could have bought MPs for the constitution of The Third Front and buy himself the directorship of FIFA too, Shashi Tharoor could’ve installed a facility in his toilet so that he can tweet live from there, Mamta Bannerji  could have paid for several assistants to look after her ministry so that she doesn’t has to move out of Kolkata, Mr. Laloo could have bought some contraceptive aids and few more buffaloes. Shibu Soren could have effectively utilized this money in bribing the court judges to bring down the number of his cases running in these courts. Vrinda Karat could have imported designer bindis for herself, specially ordered from Milan. This list can go on and on…

The question here is ..Can Sheila Dixit, with help of volunteer citizens, pull off the event while maintaining its dignity, keeping in mind, so many opposition leaders and some jealous party men are cursing the whole CWG approach day and night?  If GOD believes in quantity, CWG is in serious trouble.  

image courtesy : http://cribb.in