We are a democratic institution, not one-man show: AITA

New Delhi: AITA on Wednesday dismissed Mahesh Bhupathi's allegation that the national federation is run by only one man and asserted that it was a "democratic" institution.

AITA's executive committee had last week imposed two-year bans on Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna for not abiding by the selection committee's decision ahead of the London Olympics.

But Bhupathi, in a scathing press conference on Tuesday in Mumbai, said that it was AITA president Anil Khanna, who takes all the decision and hides behind the committees.

AITA\'s executive committee had last week imposed two-year bans on Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna for not abiding by the selection committee\'s decision ahead of the London Olympics.

AITA on Wednesday issued a press release on behalf of its executive committee members, who say that they were not stooges to Khanna.

According to the release the members felt that it is "an insult" to them who have been serving in the executive committee with commitment and "debate" each and every point on the agenda.

"This is far from being correct. AITA is most professionally managed organisation and has four Executive Directors who are well qualified to head the different departments of AITA.

"..Each of the Chairmen of the six Committees is a highly respected person with experience in Education, Government, Journalism and Administration.

"AITA is one of the most democratic institutions and has been headed between 2000-2012 by Mr Yashwant Sinha, MP, former Finance Minister and External Affairs Minister. The Life Presidents of AITA are Shri S M Krishna, External Affairs Minister and Shri Yashwant Sinha.

"The Vice Presidents of AITA includes very distinguished personalities who would not chose to be part of an organisation which is not transparent and democratic," an AITA release said.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)