Sushil Kumar Shinde bats for Suresh Kalmadi

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde defended outgoing tainted MP Suresh Kalmadi yesterday while speaking to the media at the Congress Bhavan, the party headquarters in the city

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde defended outgoing tainted MP Suresh Kalmadi yesterday while speaking to the media at the Congress Bhavan, the party headquarters in the city.


Sushil Kumar Shinde in Pune yesterday. Pic/Mohan Patil 

When asked about Kalmadi, Shinde said, "Allegations and counter-allegations will continue. However, till the verdict is announced, how can I call Kalmadi guilty, as the matter is still subjudice?"

He added that people should abide by the 'one is innocent until proven guilty' statement.

However, when asked about Kalmadi's suspension, he sidestepped the question saying the orders for his suspension had come from the higher-ups.

Shinde also took the opportunity to slam the BJP and debunk the Modi wave. Referencing the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, he said, "Former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee while campaigning used to pull in huge crowds just like Modi is now.

Then we (Congress) were sure of our defeat. However, the votes were in our favour and we won with a high margin."

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