The office-bearers of Movie Artist Association (MAA) held a press meet on Monday to discuss allegations of fraud leveled against them. A recent report in Deccan Chronicle said that MAA President Shivaji Raja was accused of misappropriating funds that belong to the organisation.
According to reports, the profits of an event headlined by Chiranjeevi that was held in the US, were not completely made available to the organisation. Some of the members involved in the planning of the event have allegedly misappropriated the funds.
General Secretary Naresh reported the fraud and immediately asked for an executive council meeting.
During the course of the meeting, Sivaji Raja was reportedly disrespectful towards the general body and resisted any attempt at discussing the issue. Following this, a few of the 11 executive council members sided with Sivaji, and said that they would hold a press meet to clarify the matter.
At the press meet held earlier today, Sivaji said that he was offended by the allegations. “I swear on my God and my family, I have not done anything wrong. Elections are coming up soon and this is why such news is being circulated. It is being done to defame me. They think we will not retaliate, and hence, we will lose. But, my good name is at stake, and I will do anything to defend it.”
Srikanth, the vice-president of MAA, said that the current office-bearers have done everything possible in their bid to raise funds for a new building. “We have held cricket tournaments and several promotional events to raise money. When we took charge, MAA had only Rs 2 crores. Now, there’s nearly Rs 6 crores in the account.”
Srikanth also said that he would resign if any of the charges levelled against him and Sivaji Raja were proved. “I will resign if they can prove these false charges. My question is, will they? It’s an open challenge.”
Recommended
Naresh, the general secretary, was reportedly the person who found out about the misappropriation. He is said to have gotten hold of documents that prove the fraud. While he was invited to attend the press meet held today, the actor declined citing prior commitments, Srikanth said.
Paruchuri Parameswara Rao said that MAA would continue its efforts to procure funds for the building, and will do so now on in a transparent manner. “We will make sure that everything is above board. We will maintain clear records of anything and everything. That is the only way to combat accusations like these,” he said.
Sivaji Raja, Srikanth and the other members of the Executive Council were elected unanimously to MAA’s leadership in March 2017. Elections are due next year.