PT Usha's Second-Term Hopes Hit Roadblock After Shock Defeat in IOA Polls

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha suffered a major setback on Monday after losing the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections, a day after lodging a complaint against former archer Dola Banerjee over an alleged WhatsApp campaign seeking votes for a panel of four candidates.

Usha finished fifth in the six-way contest for four women's positions, securing 40 votes, while Olympic medallist Anju Bobby George topped the election with 53 votes. Former Indian women's hockey captain Rani Rampal secured 50 votes, followed by Banerjee with 45 and badminton star Saina Nehwal with 43. Former basketball player Anitha Paul Durai received six votes. A total of 80 votes were polled.

The result is particularly significant as Banerjee, who was at the centre of Usha's complaint, emerged among the successful candidates.

On Sunday, Usha had approached the Electoral Officer, alleging that a WhatsApp message circulated through an account bearing Banerjee's name sought votes for the 'New Bharat Panel'. The message reportedly named four candidates, along with their ballot serial numbers and electoral roll numbers.

Usha contended that the communication violated Clause 1.9 of the Model Code of Conduct, issued on October 30, which prohibits candidate promotion through publicity, including social media and other new media platforms.

She also cited provisions requiring candidates to campaign fairly, maintain dignity and respect fellow contestants. Usha sought an investigation into the message, explanations from those concerned and appropriate action if a violation was established.

The complaint included a screenshot of the WhatsApp message. However, no publicly available decision on the complaint had emerged before the election results were announced.

In the men's category, Olympic medallists Gagan Narang, Yogeshwar Dutt and Vijender Singh, along with former table tennis player Kamlesh Mehta, were elected unopposed after the withdrawal of other candidates.

The outcome is a major blow to Usha's prospects of securing a second term as IOA president. The eight SOM representatives become members of the IOA General Assembly and are eligible to contest and vote in the December 5 elections for the 2026-2030 Executive Council.

Usha can still potentially enter the electoral process if nominated to the General Assembly by a National Sports Federation.