The office bearers of the South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA) or Nadigar Sangam announced on Sunday that their extended three-year term has ended, and elections will be conducted soon.
According to a press release by the Sangam, the actors’ union had a meeting on Sunday, following which they decided that elections will happen under the presidency of a retired judge, and the date, place and all election related decisions will be taken by the judge.
Official press release from #NadigarSangam on the election plans. #siaa @actornasser @VishalKOfficial @Karthi_Offl pic.twitter.com/Xnanpgs2kU
— NadigarSangam PrNews (@NadigarsangamP) April 28, 2019
The Sangam is currently presided by actor Nasser. Actor Vishal Krishna is the general secretary and Karthi is treasurer. Speaking to media after the meeting, Nasser said, “Our administrative term has satisfactorily and successfully concluded today. We have collectively decided to institute an election official and announce further details based on the official’s advice. All things will be done legally.”
Actor Ponvannan, vice president of the Sangam, added that by the end of this week the electoral officer will be decided. “The union must be given notice of the elections 21 days before polling. The week after that we decide the officer, he will take over the responsibility of the existing administration. Work for elections will begin tomorrow,” he said.
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The present office bearers were elected to power in October 2015 in a highly publicised event. While they were elected for a three-year term, in a general body meeting in August last year it was decided that the term will be extended, and they will not have polls till the completion of the new Nadigar Sangam building, which is costing them Rs 35 crore.
The inauguration for the building was slated for March 2019, but the construction is yet to be completed. “We have been working from day one of our tenure for the building. We had to buy the building, cancel the existing contract, draw up a new plan and get it approved. We then raised funds for it and got it approved by the corporation. There have been several hurdles and legal issues which resulted in the delay. Work on the building is progressing briskly now,” Ponvannan said.