Back in his hometown after being in jail for nine months in connection with the CWG graft case, sacked Common Wealth Games chief and Pune MP Suresh Kalmadi stated that he still had faith in the judicial system and was sure of getting justice. Mr. Kalmadi also thanked Puneites for welcoming him to the city.
“In spite of knowing that I haven't come to Pune after winning any event or competition, the citizens of Pune gave me a rousing welcome out of their love and affection,'' Mr. Kalmadi said in an official statement.
After being granted bail last month, he arrived here on Saturday evening to meet family members and to undergo a medical check-up.
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Mentioning the CWG case, he said, “I have full faith in the judiciary and I am sure that I will get justice. The law states that a person is innocent until proven guilty.''
Like the former Maharashtra Chief Minister, A.K. Antulay, Mr. Kalmadi said that he hoped that he, too, would be acquitted after a fair trial.
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He stated that it had been the culture of Pune to support people not only in good times, but also to “stand behind and support an individual during difficult times. I thank them for their love and affection.''
Mr. Kalmadi said that the welcome was a reflection of the investment he had made in the last 35 years in the city to “bring all sections of people together.''
May join poll campaign
There are chances that he might play an active role in the Congress campaign in the coming civic polls.