PT Usha Seeks Probe into Indian Olympic Association General Council Election, Alleges Irregularities

New Delhi: PT Usha has sought an investigation into the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) General Council election, alleging serious irregularities and violations of rules. The BJP Rajya Sabha MP wrote to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), raising serious concerns over the election in a three-page complaint.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the central leadership's backing played a role in Usha, who is the IOA president, failing to secure a place among the top four candidates. The BJP reportedly supported Olympian Anju Bobby George, former badminton player Saina Nehwal, hockey player Rani Rampal and archer Dola Banerjee. The party is said to be planning to make Saina, a party member, the IOA president.

The four candidates contested together and won after creating the impression that they had the party's backing through a WhatsApp group named 'New Bharat Panel'. A total of 80 athletes were eligible to vote, and all votes were cast online. Only six candidates contested for the four positions. Reports suggest that five candidates withdrew from the contest following BJP intervention.

Usha's failure to secure political gains despite being made a Rajya Sabha MP and IOA president, along with the internal revolt that erupted within the association, is believed to have worked against her. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also rejected calls to intervene in the matter.