Malhotra threatens to move privilege motion against Aiyar

New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) Indian Olympic Association (IOA) senior vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra has threatened to bring a privilege motion in the Parliament against Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar for spoiling India's 2014 Asian Games bid.

Prof Malhotra, who is also president of Archery Association of India, demanded explanation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that while he and his Cabinet supported India's bid for Asian Games 2014, a member of his Cabinet (Aiyar) publicly opposed the bid which proved ''fatal'' for India's chances.

He said Mr Aiyar's remarks deploring hosting of mega sports events like Asian Games rocked the Indian boat in the Olympic Council of Asia voting in Kuwait.

Training his gun on the Congress-led government at the Centre, Prof Malhotra said even the South Korean President had visited most of the Asian countries seeking support for Incheon bid and here in India the Cabinet has presented itself as a divided house at the crucial moment.

He said Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit and IOA President Suresh Kalmadi both deplored the statement of Mr Aiyar which appeared in all major newspapers and circulated widely, ultimately causing the defeat of India's bid to South Korean city Incheon. ''Multi-discipline mega sporting event are considered not only profitable venture but also as catalyst to improve sports and other civic infrastructure in the host city,'' Prof Malhotra said in a release.

''While the rural sector needs attention of the government it is equally important to host such events in the country to improve its standing in the world,'' he said in the release.

UNI