Taking many by surprise, actor Ponvannan, who is Vice President of the Nadigar Sangam, submitted his resignation on Monday. Although the actor did not issue a formal statement, media reports suggest that Ponvannan decided to step down over Nadigar Sangam General Secretary Vishal’s decision to contest the RK Nagar bye-elections. His resignation also comes a day after several members of the Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council accused President Vishal of corruption.
An industry insider told TNM that Vishal’s decision to contest elections would cost Kollywood dearly. “There will be repercussions and the whole industry will feel it. Many bridges have already been burnt and that is why negotiation on GST did not go too well. Whether AIADMK or DMK, the film industry cannot afford to make the government and ruling party its enemy.”
Another film industry observer said that there is a rebellion brewing against actor Vishal because he did not consult anyone before jumping into politics. “Actor Vishal did not consult anyone and jumped into politics, this has caused a little bit of black mark within the industry and the heat is on him now,” he said.
The industry observer also said that Kollywood needs to keep the Tamil Nadu government on the right side. “He has been running two powerful organizations which control Kollywood film industry and they both have close links with the state government. Without the state government you cannot survive, you need to keep them on the right side.”
When asked if more resignations would follow in the Nadigar Sangam, he said, “It is too early to say that others will also resign, let’s wait and see for two more days. As of now, it is definitely a setback for Vishal.”
However, according to reports Ponvannan’s resignation is yet to be accepted by Nadigar Sangam.
Despite Vishal’s nomination papers at the RK Nagar bye-elections being rejected by the Returning Officer, the actor continues to face heat over his decision to contest.
At the Producers’ Council general body meeting held on Sunday, several members objected to Vishal’s decision to take the electoral plunge.
“According to the bye-laws, anyone who holds an office cannot stand for the elections without resigning from their post. He did, so we objected to it and questioned him. But he refused to give a reply, and that’s why this problem started,” actor Rithesh said.
Director Cheran, who had staged a protest against Vishal last week, had argued with Vishal during the general body meeting. Speaking about Ponvannan’s resignation, Cheran said, “It is something we were expecting to happen because the issues we raised at the Producers’ Council are the same reasons for which actor Ponvannan has resigned. Actor Vishal had stated that Sarathkumar was in politics and gained all the votes during elections. I welcome the move by actor Ponavannan for resigning. There are many people with objections and slowly everyone will bring it out.”
He also added, “We are not against actor Vishal entering politics but this is not the right time. There are many people who voted for Vishal in the elections and need to be consulted before taking such a decision.”
Source: The News Minute