Congress leader Pawan Khera has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over Gujarat being chosen to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, alleging that major contracts and projects are increasingly being directed towards the state.
Addressing reporters, Khera referred to Modi and Shah as “2G”, meaning “two Gujaratis”, and questioned whether hosting major international events in Gujarat was part of a broader pattern of favouritism. “Where will contracts across the country go? To contractors of Gujarat,” Khera said, while also questioning the transfer of industries and major economic opportunities towards the state.
His remarks came amid a fresh political dispute over the venue for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Ahmedabad has been selected to host the centenary edition of the Games after India’s bid was approved by Commonwealth Sport. India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.
Khera also questioned why Gujarat was being preferred for such a major sporting event when other states have a strong sporting tradition and infrastructure. His comments came as Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda and other party leaders protested outside Parliament, demanding that Haryana be considered for hosting the 2030 Games.
Hooda argued that Haryana’s contribution to India’s international sporting success makes the state a strong candidate for the event. The issue has therefore developed into a wider political debate over how major sporting opportunities and infrastructure investments are distributed among states.
The Union government had approved India’s proposal to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in August 2025. The Cabinet also approved the signing of the Host Collaboration Agreement and financial guarantees required for the bid.
The Games are expected to be an important showcase for India’s sporting ambitions. Gujarat has already been developing major sports infrastructure in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, with the state also looking ahead to a possible Indian bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. The Commonwealth Games are being viewed as an opportunity to demonstrate India’s ability to host large international sporting events.
However, the political controversy is likely to continue. Khera’s comments have given the Opposition another opportunity to question the Centre’s approach towards Gujarat, while Congress leaders are demanding greater consideration for states such as Haryana.
The BJP has yet to issue a detailed response to Khera’s latest allegations. For now, the 2030 Commonwealth Games have become more than a sporting event, with the choice of Ahmedabad turning into another flashpoint in the political battle between the Congress and the BJP.
