PT Usha Complains To IOA Electoral Officer Over Dola Banerjee’s WhatsApp Campaign Message | Other-sports News

Last Updated:November 08, 2026, 22:33 IST

With polling scheduled from 9 am to 5 pm on November 9, PT Usha has sought urgent intervention.

PT Usha wants the authorities to examine the communication. (PTI Photo)

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has approached the Electoral Officer over an alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct by former archer Dola Banerjee, accusing her of seeking votes for a group of four candidates ahead of Monday’s Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) Commission elections through a WhatsApp message.

In her complaint, Usha flagged a message circulated from an account carrying Banerjee’s name that appealed to voters to back the ‘New Bharat Panel’. The message reportedly listed four candidates, specifying their ballot serial numbers and roll numbers, and urged voters to elect them.

Usha argued that the communication violated Clause 1.9 of the Model Code of Conduct issued on October 30. The provision states that candidate promotion must not involve any form of publicity, including through new media and social networking platforms.

According to the complaint, the WhatsApp message amounted to a direct appeal for votes through social media and therefore appeared to breach the prescribed guidelines.

The IOA president also drew attention to Clauses 1.2 and 1.3 of the code, which mandate that candidates campaign fairly, maintain dignity and moderation, and extend due respect to fellow contestants.

Seeking the election authorities’ intervention, Usha has called for an inquiry into the message, including verification of how it was prepared and circulated. She has also asked the authorities to seek an explanation from the individuals concerned.

Usha further requested appropriate action under the applicable election rules if a violation is established, along with measures to safeguard a level playing field for all candidates.

With voting scheduled to take place from 9 am to 5 pm on November 9, she has pressed for urgent intervention and a decision before polling begins.

The complaint was accompanied by a screenshot of the WhatsApp message and a copy of the Model Code of Conduct.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

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What led IOA president PT Usha to file a complaint against Dola Banerjee?

IOA president PT Usha filed a complaint with the Electoral Officer alleging that former archer Dola Banerjee violated the Model Code of Conduct by circulating a WhatsApp message that solicited votes for the ‘New Bharat Panel’ ahead of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit Commission elections.

Which specific provisions of the Model Code of Conduct were allegedly breached?

PT Usha cited Clause 1.9, which prohibits candidate promotion through new media and social networks, alongside Clauses 1.2 and 1.3, which require candidates to maintain fairness, dignity, moderation, and respect for fellow contestants.

When are the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit Commission elections scheduled to take place?

The virtual poll for the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit Commission elections is scheduled to take place on November 9, with voting occurring between 9 am and 5 pm.

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