P.T. Usha complains to IOA electoral officer over WhatsApp campaign for SOM polls

New Delhi Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha has lodged a complaint with the Electoral Officer alleging that former archer Dola Banerjee violated the Model Code of Conduct by circulating a WhatsApp message soliciting votes for a panel of four candidates in Monday’s (November 9, 2026) Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections.

In her complaint, Usha objected to a WhatsApp message circulated through an account bearing Banerjee’s name, seeking support for the ‘New Bharat Panel’ and asking voters to elect four named candidates, along with their ballot serial numbers and roll numbers. Usha cited Clause 1.9 of the Model Code of Conduct, issued on October 30, 2026, which states that the promotion of a candidate shall exclude any form of publicity, including the use of new media or social networks.

She contended that the circulation of the message amounted to targeted solicitation of votes through social media, and appeared to fall within the ambit of the clause.