Those guilty of corruption in Games not to be spared: Sonia

With allegations of corruption plaguing the Commonwealth Games, the Congress President, Ms Sonia Gandhi on Thursday said those found guilty will be punished after the event. Terming the Commonwealth Games as a matter of national pride, she said the Games were not related to any political party or individual. "It was a matter of national pride and efforts should be made to hold them successfully." At the same time, she said that those found guilty of corruption in works related to the Games should be punished after the event.

Addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) here, Ms Gandhi referred to the Group of Ministers set up by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, to look into the preparations for the Games.

Ms Gandhi also expressed concern over the situation in the Kashmir Valley and said efforts should be made to reach out to the people of the region. She backed the Prime Minister's initiative in this regard.

On the issue of Naxalism, Ms Gandhi underscored the need for taking tribal development seriously.

She also stressed on the need to check illegal mining.

Ms Gandhi condoled the loss of lives and devastation caused by the flash floods in Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

On the upcoming elections in Bihar, Gandhi asked partymen to work towards strengthening the organisation in the state.