Defying MHA guidelines, Haryana Olympic Association to hold elections on Sept 19

CHANDIGARH: Defying the ministry of home affairs (MHA) guidelines on Covid-19 pandemic, which restricts any sports or political congregation till September 20, the Haryana Olympic Association (HOA) has decided to hold its elections at the HOA Bhawan in Panchkula’s Sector 3 on September 19.

The four-year tenure of the current HOA body will be ending in September-October.

HOA is led by former additional director general of police (ADGP) PV Rathee. As many as 33 sports associations are affiliated with it, each unit having a voting right of three, while there are 21 district Olympic associations and four independent and departmental units, each having a single voting right. The total voting strength of the state Olympic body is 124.

As per the current MHA guidelines, any social/academic/ sports/cultural/religious and political functions and other congregations are only allowed from September 21 onwards with a ceiling of 100 persons.

Returning officer Sandeep Vermani has forwarded a letter, dated September 3, to all affiliated units, including district Olympic associations headed by the respective deputy commissioners, seeking the name of their representatives for casting the vote in the HOA polls.

On July 22, the HOA had sought permission from the Panchkula deputy commissioner to hold its annual general body meeting in the last week of August. However, it was denied in view of the MHA guidelines on the pandemic. But, for the elections, the HOA has refrained from seeking the administration’s permission.

Vermani said, “We will be taking care of the social distancing norms and if there is any such issue, we might look for virtual options, like holding the elections through Zoom.”

However, point nine of the election schedule issued by Vermani clearly mentions that the voting will be held during the general body meeting on September

19 at HOA Bhawan. There is no mention of holding the polls through Zoom and as per the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) constitution, the elections can only be held through physical presence and secret voting, and no other option, including Zoom (virtual), is available.

Indian Olympic Association’s secretary general Rajiv Mehta said, “We are yet to receive an official communication from the HOA regarding the elections and seeking an observer from IOA. As per the guidelines received from the International Olympic Committee, any unit/body whose tenure is going to end during the pandemic can extend their term by six months,” Mehta added.

We will be taking care of the social distancing norms and if there is any such issue, we might look for virtual options, like holding the elections through Zoom. SANDEEP VERMANI, returning officer for HOA elections