PT Usha complains to IOA election officer about WhatsApp campaign for SOM polls

Usha protested against a WhatsApp message circulating through an account bearing Banerjee’s name, seeking support for the “New Bharat Panel” and asking voters to elect the four named candidates along with their roll numbers and ballot numbers. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has filed a complaint with the election officer that former archer Dola Banerjee violated the model code of conduct by sending a WhatsApp message seeking votes for a panel of four candidates in the Sportsmen of Exceptional Merit (SOM) elections on Monday (November 9, 2026).

In her complaint, Usha objected to a WhatsApp message sent through an account in Banerjee’s name, seeking support for the ‘New Bharat Panel’ and asking voters to elect four named candidates, along with their roll numbers and name numbers.

Usha cited paragraph 1.9 of the model code of conduct issued on October 30, 2026, which states that promoting a candidate excludes any form of publicity, including the use of new media or social networks. She argued that spreading the message amounted to targeted vote-getting through social media and appeared to fall within the scope of the clause. The complaint also referred to Articles 1.2 and 1.3, which require candidates to conduct their campaigns with honesty, dignity and moderation and to show due respect to other candidates.

Usha urges the election authorities to investigate the communication, find out the circumstances under which it was created and disseminated and seek an explanation from those concerned. It also sought appropriate action under applicable election rules if violations are found, along with directions to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.

As the polling is scheduled to take place on November 9, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Usha sought an urgent intervention and decision before the polling begins. A screenshot of the WhatsApp message and a copy of the model code of conduct were attached to the complaint.

Published – 08 Nov 2026 22:10 IST