10 october 2024 : Twelve out of the 15 executive committee (EC) members of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have decided to introduce a ‘no confidence motion’ against president PT Usha during the Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for October 25. The members held a meeting on Wednesday and presented a 26-point agenda, which includes a discussion on Usha’s conduct, failure to comply with the IOA constitution, her inability to convene an Annual General Meeting, and allegations of pressuring the finance committee to approve unauthorized expenses linked to her.
The agenda also highlights concerns regarding sponsorship agreements made by Usha without consulting the sponsorship committee or EC members, as well as a potential violation of constitutional provisions. Usha has recently come under scrutiny after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report indicated a ₹24 crore loss for IOA due to questionable sponsorship dealings with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).
The EC members have also raised objections regarding Usha’s unilateral decisions in relation to the Paris Games, including finalizing participant lists and securing sponsorships, as well as appointing a CEO without prior consultation. Additionally, they have called for a review of her powers and her conduct to be examined by the IOA Ethics Commission.
Usha had called the SGM to address these issues, including the dispute over the CEO appointment and allegations of corruption. However, the EC members now seek to challenge her authority and decision-making processes, potentially resulting in a vote of no confidence against her leadership.