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Kochi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday stepped up its attack against the Kerala Sports Department and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) over the renovation of the Kaloor Stadium in connection with the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi.
Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden on Monday alleged irregularities in the project and questioned whether the renovation done on the pretext of Messi’s arrival was backed by a valid contract.
He sought clarity on the source and legality of the funds, saying, “We are not opposed to renewal, but transparency is necessary.”
Eden also claimed that the sponsorship money was routed through a private chit fund operator and sought details of the criteria under which the stadium was handed over.
He also accused Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman of being motivated by business interests rather than sporting priorities.
Contractors associated with GCDA projects alleged that the investment of Rs 70 crore was mere publicity.
He said the repair work was being carried out without proper tender, even though the GCDA has its own engineering and planning branch, and the Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF) is officially overseeing the project.
Contractors requested that expenditure and estimate details be made public.
The All India Youth Federation (AIYF) demanded that construction be suspended as no international matches were scheduled.
It also called on the GCDA and the state government to clarify the nature of their agreements with private sponsors.
Meanwhile, CPI-M Ernakulam district secretary S.Sathish rejected the opposition’s charge of “privatisation”, and said the stadium was not handed over to a private entity, but to a state-run body.
GCDA President K. Chandran Pillai said that all procedures were followed.
Protests by opposition organizations have gained momentum, with Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and Youth Congress protesting.
Allegations of illegal felling of trees around the stadium have further heightened the controversy, while renovation work continues despite Messi’s canceled visit.
Meanwhile, around two dozen Youth Congress workers, wearing traditional Argentinian football jerseys and holding footballs in their hands, entered the GCDA office and played football to protest, saying the entire incident was a scam and the state government would have to take appropriate remedial steps.
–IANS
SG/KHz