P.T. Usha Files Complaint Over WhatsApp Campaign in SOM Elections

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha has taken a significant step in the lead-up to the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections scheduled for November 9, 2026. Usha has lodged a formal complaint with the Electoral Officer, alleging that former archer Dola Banerjee breached the Model Code of Conduct by circulating a WhatsApp message soliciting votes for a specific panel of candidates. This incident raises critical questions about the integrity of the electoral process within Indian sports governance.

The complaint centers around a WhatsApp message that Usha claims was sent from an account associated with Banerjee. This message solicited support for the ‘New Bharat Panel’ and explicitly named four candidates, providing their ballot serial numbers and roll numbers. Usha's contention is that this action contravenes the Model Code of Conduct, which was issued on October 30, 2026, and is designed to ensure fair campaigning practices.

Usha referenced Clause 1.9 of the Code, which prohibits any form of publicity, including the use of social media, for soliciting votes. She argues that the WhatsApp message constitutes targeted solicitation, thereby violating the stipulated guidelines. Furthermore, Usha highlighted Clauses 1.2 and 1.3, which mandate that candidates conduct their campaigns with dignity and respect towards their opponents.

The Model Code of Conduct is a crucial framework established to maintain the integrity of elections in India, particularly within sports organizations like the IOA. It aims to ensure that all candidates adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and respect during the electoral process. The Code outlines specific behaviors that are deemed acceptable and unacceptable, particularly in the context of campaigning.

Usha's complaint underscores the importance of these guidelines, especially in an era where digital communication plays a pivotal role in electioneering. The use of platforms like WhatsApp for political campaigning has become increasingly common, raising concerns about the potential for misuse and the need for stringent enforcement of existing regulations.

P.T. Usha, a celebrated athlete and now a prominent sports administrator, has been vocal about her commitment to upholding the integrity of Indian sports. Her leadership as the IOA president has been marked by efforts to reform and modernize the governance of sports in India. Usha's actions in filing this complaint reflect her dedication to ensuring that the electoral process remains fair and transparent.

In her own words, Usha stated, "It is imperative that we maintain the highest standards of integrity in our elections. The future of sports governance depends on our ability to conduct ourselves with fairness and respect for all candidates."

The SOM elections are critical for the representation of athletes in the governance of sports in India. With the elections just a day away, the implications of Usha's complaint could be significant. If the Electoral Officer finds merit in Usha's allegations, it could lead to a reevaluation of the campaigning practices employed by Banerjee and her associates.

Moreover, this incident may prompt the IOA to revisit its guidelines regarding digital campaigning, ensuring that all candidates are held to the same standards. As the sports community watches closely, the outcome of this complaint could set a precedent for future elections within the IOA and beyond.

As the SOM elections approach, the spotlight is firmly on the candidates and their adherence to the Model Code of Conduct. P.T. Usha's proactive stance in filing a complaint against Dola Banerjee serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in sports governance. The outcome of this situation will not only impact the current elections but also shape the future of electoral practices within Indian sports.