Director SP Jananathan has refuted reports about contesting for president in the elections to Tamil Nadu Film Directors’ Association, likely to be held this month.
According to a report by Dinamalar today, a director close to Jananathan said he will be contesting elections with the support of many members, “He used to be the treasurer when director Ameer was president (in 2012). His tenure was good, he was strict about money-related matters and was not involved in any mismanagement. We are confident he will win.”
Speaking to Silverscreen, the director said he has no plans to contest elections. “I have only been asking for elections to be held. It’s not right for me to contest at this point when there are several others. My comment was that there should be an elected body because for two times now we have had a non-elected president. The general body announced the name of Vikraman sir last time and they now decided on Bharathiraja sir without conducting polls. This should not become a norm. Bharathiraja sir himself has come forward asking for elections, and that’s the opinion of many members. I think he should win after contesting and that is in favour of the association.”
Bharathiraja was given the post after a unanimous decision was passed at the association general body meeting at Kamala Theatre in Chennai on June 10. He succeeded director Vikraman who was president for three consecutive terms.
However, less than a month later Bharathiraja issued a press statement about his resignation, stating that he foresaw problems in being a leader without having contested elections.
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In a letter to directors and assistant directors of the association, he wrote, “I was selected as president of the Sangam unanimously by members, directors and office bearers last month and I thank you for choosing me. However, I am well aware of the problems that will arise from being selected without elections. So, I volunteer to resign from my post to facilitate elections in a democratic way. I will continue offering my guidance and support for the association’s future.”
As of now, Bharathiraja is the only contestant for the post. Vikraman has reportedly clarified that he will not be contesting. The election date, venue and other details are yet to be known.