The fiercely-fought Nadigar Sangam elections have brought to an end the decade-old contentious rule of Sarathkumar and Radha Ravi. The Pandavar Ani, led by Vishal and Nasser, has swept the polls. Being part of a free and fair election, the stars of Tamil cinema have, for the first time, realised the importance of casting their vote.
Justice E. Padmanabhan, who conducted the elections as per the High Court order, said, “ Both groups have accepted the results. I have already issued certificates to the successful candidates and will be submitting my report to the High Court soon.”
A senior actor remarked, “The entire industry is celebrating the victory of Pandavar Ani, as they have brought in change in a democratic manner against a regime which was facing corruption charges. Now, let us hope Nasser and Vishal will keep their election promises and provide good governance.”
The Sarathkumar group lost the elections mainly due to a strong anti-incumbency wave and their high-handedness in dealing with upcoming actors. They thought that they would be able to retain their hold, as they had the support of the drama artistes living outside Chennai. In fact, after the postal votes were counted, Sarathkumar and group were leading. But what tilted the scale in favour of the Pandavar Ani was the strong support the team received from Chennai-based actors. One of the main reasons cited for Pandavar Ani’s victory was the corruption charge levelled against the Sarathkumar group, related to a deal with SPI Cinemas. Vishal and Nasser, in their campaign, had raised questions regarding the proposed plan to construct a multiplex in place of the demolished building in the 99 cents of prime property owned by Nadigar Sangam Charitable Trust on Habibullah Road in T. Nagar.
Nasser, during the campaign, released a letter he had written to Sarathkumar, in which he demanded that the latter provide details on this deal signed in 2010, which has since been caught in a legal tangle after a member of the Nadigar Sangam, Poochi Murugan, obtained a stay on the proposed plan.
Another reason cited for the failure of the Sarathkumar camp was the group’s rather negative campaign. The hard-hitting comments made against Kamal Haasan and Vishal is said to have created a sympathy wave favouring the Pandavar Ani.
After the elections though, Sarathkumar was the first to congratulate the Pandavar Ani. He said: “Let’s forget whatever happened before the elections, and unite and work together now.”
The day after the results were announced, Sarathkumar surprised all by holding a press meet in which he said that two weeks before the elections, he had cancelled the agreement with SPI Cinemas and flaunted a copy of the letter from them. He said he did not reveal it before the elections as he was not sure how it would be construed. However, he refused to provide a copy of the cancellation letter. Sarathkumar said: “I hope that this will stop the corruption campaign unleashed against me, as it has hurt me a lot.”
Meanwhile, sources close to SPI Cinemas agreed that they had exchanged e-mails and had cancelled the deal as per Nadigar Sangam’s request. The cancellation is conditional and a proper legal draft has to be signed by the new office-bearers of the association. It means that SPI Cinemas will have to be given the first preference in case the new team decides to go in for a commercial building. But if it is only for the members and activities of the Nadigar Sangam without any commercial activity, then SPI will have no objection.
The coming days will be crucial for the newly-elected members of the Nadigar Sangam. They have to take an immediate call on the future of the demolished site. One of their election promises is to cancel the deal with SPI Cinemas and build an independent building that will be home to Nadigar Sangam activity. They will also have to heal the wounds caused among actors during the campaign.
The Pandavar Ani team has called for a press meet today, following their first executive committee meeting comprising the newly elected leaders.
