Lalit Bhanot has also been sacked as the secretary-general of the Organising Committee following the decision by new Indian Sports Minister Ajay Maken to remove the top two from their posts.

Maken, who has replaced M.S Gill, claimed that both Kalmadi and Bhanot have been removed because of the ongoing investigation by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over allegations of corruption and irregularities in organisation and conduct of Commonwealth Games.

"In the light of the concerns expressed by the CBI and in the interest of impartial and unhindered investigations, it has been decided to remove Mr. Kalmadi from the position of the Chairman of the Organising Committee and the position of Chairman, Executive Board of the organising, Commonwealth Games, with immediate effect", Maken said.

Kalmadi has been ordered to pass control immediately Jarnail Singh, the chief executive of the Organising Committee.

Kalmadi's position as chairman of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is now also under threat.

Maken said the Government was "seeking legal opinion" on removing Kalmadi a post he has held since 1996.

The decision to sack Kalmadi also follows complaints from the Australian Government and British High Commission over unpaid bills.

"I have directed the Government nominees in the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to thoroughly verify the unpaid dues and make all the legitimate payments within 10 days," said Maken.

"It is a very important issue.

"[The] Games took place three months ago and I want the issue be sorted out.

"I don't want anyone to come and point fingers at us.

"It is a very important issue and I want it to be resolved as quickly as possible.

"If there is more delay, more problems could crop up."

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