I am not resigning says Kalmadi

New Delhi: Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi declared on Friday that there was no question of his resignation in the wake of allegations of financial irregularities in the Oct 3-14 Games.

"Everything is going on fine and I am not quiting. No question of my resignation arises with just two months left for the Games. But after the Games, if the IOA (Indian Olympic Association), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi (Congress president) feel that I should step down for any enquiry, I am ready to do so," said Kalmadi, who is the IOA president.
Kalmadi also said that the three-member probe panel, looking into the allegations of financial irregularities related to the Queen's Baton Relay in London, heard M. Jayachandran, director general (finance and accounts).
Jayachandran was one of three officials suspended by the executive board on the basis of the report submitted by the probe panel.
On the Central Vigilance COmmission (CVC) report, Kalmadi said: "It is true that some venues are still not ready. While taking over the stadia we will make sure that everything is in place. Eleven stadia have been taken over and by the weekend most stadia will be taken over."

Kalmadi also hoped that this time India would finish third in the Games.
"Last time around the Indian team got 50 medals, and came fourth in the games. This time we expect to come third with 70 medals. We can come second as well. The Prime Minister has given Rs.7 billion for the training of the athletes and the training is going on fine," he said.

Kalmadi also said that the Games Village will open for athletes in 40 days.
"When the athletes arrive, we need to arrange everything for them from the time they land here till they leave. We have to give them hospitality. There will be cultural games happening at the games village. Security was a major issue earlier, but the perception has changed now."