Published: Wednesday, Sep 15, 2010, 3:39 IST
By Harish Gupta | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_pratibha-patil-to-inaugurate-c-wealth-games_1438103
In all likelihood, president Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the Commonwealth Games (CWG) at Nehru Stadium on October 3.
Under the CWG tripartite treaty, either the queen or her representative can inaugurate the games.
But an exception is being made in the case of India citing a precedent — the 1998 games were inaugurated by the Malaysian king. Government sources said since Queen Elizabeth II was not coming as she is preoccupied, Patil would be handed over the queen’s baton, signalling the opening of the games.
A final announcement, however, will be made only after the ministry of external affairs completes formalities in consultation with the British foreign office and Buckingham Palace.
It is also more or less decided that Prince Charles will read out a message from the queen at the opening, the sources said.
