Anju Bobby George writes open letter to demand probe into Kerala Sports Council
© Gettyimages
Olympian and Kerala Sports Council President Anju Bobby George has demanded a probe into the activities of the Kerala Sports Council over the past ten years. Anju came under fire for corruption from the Sports Minister, but has defended saying her term at the helm has been only six months.
The chain was set off after Kerala Sports Minister E.P. Jayarajan apparently gave the athlete a dressing down about the state of affairs at the Kerala Sports Council where Anju is at the helm. Anju had been appointed to the post by the previous Congress Government under Oommen Chandy. The Minister had taken Anju to task about the widespread corruption that has happened at the Council.
Anju had, in turn, retaliated taking to the media about how she was insulted by the Sports Minister. The athlete has now sent an open letter to the Minister and the sports administration of the state asking for an inquiry into the state of affairs at the body – but over the past ten years.
"I have a request that a situation should not arise in which those who have sat on top posts do not laugh by seeing us crucified after labeling our governing body as `corrupt'. The governing body ruled only for six months. The minister has been misled by somebody that corruption occurred during my tenure. A transparent and honest investigation should be conducted on all appointments made in the sports sector. I also put forward the suggestion that all appointments should be left to the PSC," Anju said in the letter.
Anju also named an official who could lead the probe.
"I wish to point out that let us not just limit the probe to six months, instead, we will look into the entire activities of the Council for the past one decade. This can also include the appointment of my brother. Let the probe be given to director of Vigilance Jacob Thomas," said George.
She also pointed out that "a lot of undesirable things have taken place in the Council and let all such things come under the probe", reported Mathrubhumi.
The Congress has come out strongly in favor of the athlete and against the apathy shown to one of the best athletes the nation has produced.
(Also read - Modi to choose new Sports Minister between Kerela's star politicos after their sports 'gyan' display)
However, it remains to be seen where the fault lies given the murky nature of sports administration in the country. Athletes may not make the best administrators of athletic bodies, but it is improbable asking them to clean up the Augean stables of corruption, if as Anju has claimed, that have gone on forever.
These Indian kids can create footballing history, but they need your help. You can help Slum Soccer send 20 of our most talented footballers to represent INDIA at the Homeless World Cup at Glasgow. Click here to know more.Â
