Officer to oversee Nadigar Sangam: Actors say TN govt's move against democratic spirit

TN govt appointed PV Geetha, Assistant Inspector General of Registration, as Special Officer to manage the affairs of Nadigar Sangam.
Officer to oversee Nadigar Sangam: Actors say TN govt's move against democratic spirit
Officer to oversee Nadigar Sangam: Actors say TN govt's move against democratic spirit
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Following government's order to appoint a special officer to oversee the functioning of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes Association), incumbent president Nasser, treasurer (incumbent) Karthi, Poochi Murugan, actors Manobala, Sachu and few others met the press on Thursday to address the issue. While declaring that they would co-operate with the special officer, the members also added that they would be filing a writ petition at the Madras High Court on Friday, seeking to cancel the appointment.

"We have nothing to hide and have been running a transparent office. We will therefore co-operate with the Special officer. It is our responsibility to do so. They don't have anything on us, we have no faults. But this democracy being choker," said Nasser.

The ongoing case regarding the Nadigar Sangam elections at Madras High Court will also be heard on Friday. 

Tamil Nadu government on Thursday appointed PV Geetha, Assistant Inspector General of Registration, as Special Officer to manage the affairs of Nadigar Sangam. Geetha will hold office for a period of one year beginning November 6, 2019, or until disputes pertaining to Nadigar Sangam elections pending with the Madras High Court are resolved.

Explaining that a few members had filed a complaint against the previous office bearers for non disbursal of pension, actor Karthi said that the pension scheme is part of the Nadigar Sangam trust and has no relationship with the association. 

"The case in the court is with regards to an issue regarding the trust. Whereas a special officer has now been appointed to oversee the functioning of the association. The two are completely unrelated. We believe justice will be on our side in the end," he added.

Those present for the press meet also alleged that the government was being pressurised to look into the Sangam's affairs by members with political connections, taking a clear dig at opposing team member Ishari Ganesh. 

With a few documents in hand, Poochi Murugan claimed that during Radha Ravi's tenure, elections were not held for two consecutive terms between 1996 and 2006 and that the absence of a Registrar of Societies back then is in stark contrast to the realities of today. 

Speaking about the Nadigar Sangam's ambitious building Karthi explained that the delay in declaring results has affected the building's progress. "So far four floors have been built. The interior work has to begin but the fundraiser has to happen. The fundraising cannot happen until the new body of elected representatives take charge."

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