Indian author blasts 'corrupt' Games

A bestselling Indian author has branded the Delhi Commonwealth Games the biggest and most blatant exercise in corruption since the country won independence six decades ago.

Chetan Bhagat, who has sold more than 4 million books and has a substantial youth following, called for the public to boycott the event as a protest against bribery and sleaze.

His stinging attack came soon after Delhi's Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, revealed it would take until the middle of next month to complete Games-related work - which is when athletes will start arriving.

She blamed incessant monsoon rains for the latest delay, joking that the rain god must be unhappy with Delhi.

''I will appeal to him to bring some sunshine,'' she was quoted as saying. ''If the rain stops and the sun comes out we should be able to complete the work by September 10-15.''

Full report here Sydney Morning Herald