I think the article has only evoked the wrong issues. Lets get a few things straight: (1) State govts are free to announce exgartia or reward for anyone they feel is deserving - hence I dont think the rewarding CMs have done anything wrong (2) Yes, it is public money and wasted - but that applies to a lot of other mal-spedning as well on several more meaningless projects (3) Gujarat CM also has the right to decide if he wants to give a reward and how he wants to do it. No one can force him to reward a player or anyone. If it were only 'obvious reasons' then TN CM can also be called communal by the same logic. Fact is, this event doesnt prove any of them is communal (4) We are an assimilative country where all people have become part of one great nation - it will be better to debate this reward thing keeping religion aside (5) Our stadia and sport facilties are in pathetic shape. It might be a better idea for the BCCI and state govts to put in part of this reward money to building new stadia and improving infrastructure. (6) Having said that, several of our players (RP, Rohit, Joginder, etc.) come from poor backgrounds - some reward money will go a long way in improving their life and family. Maybe this reward shd have been on need merit basis (7) Hockey- its a great sport but not as commercialized as cricket... it will get its due in coming years - just ask IHF to behave like BCCI and get private sponsorship
