Analysis: Whazzup in AP Olympic Association?

The recent controversy over elections to AP Olympic Association, involving open confrontation between two Congress MPs makes one wonder what so big deal is there in the association that has led to infighting in the Congress.

The fighting between Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao and Lok Sabha member from Vijayawada Lagadapati Rajagopal for supremacy in the association has reached such an ugly proportion that it has drawn the attention of Congress high command, Indian Olympic Association and Union Minister for Sports M S Gill.

Inquiries revealed the authority in the APOA involves a lot of power and of course, big money. Though the Olympic Association is not as rich as the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), it has its own value and of late, a lot of money is being pumped into the association after Indians started getting a medal or two in Olympics.

The Centre is focussing on encouraging talent at the state-level and district-level by generously funding the state Olympic associations. They also play vital role in conducting regional and state-level competitions, besides the national games. At every stage, there is a lot of scope for making money, right from selection of candidates to development of sports infrastructure.

That is the reason why this year’s elections to the AP Olympic Association have become crucial. Though Lagadapati might be too rich to indulge in corrupt practices, it is a matter of prestige for him to be the president of the association. He can help his friends to make big money through the association works. Already, he has ensured that Vijayawada Municipal Corporation allocated 1,000 square yards of prime land in the heart of the city to the association activities. With such activities, he can gain a lot of popularity among the youth, which will in turn help him establish hold in the constituency.

Last time, Lagadapati Rajagopal did not have any problems in getting elected as president of the association, but this time, Hanumantha Rao eyed on the association. He fielded his associate Kodandaramaiah, president of Vizag Olympic Association, as a candidate for the president’s post. And that agitated Lagadapati, who used his money and muscle power to suppress his rivals and got elected to the post unanimously once again.