Though Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are expected only by March-April 2016, a precursor to the great event is scheduled for Sunday at Chennai. The triennial election to the South Indian Film Artistes’ Association, popularly known as Nadigar Sangam (Actors Forum) is being held on Sunday amidst heavy security as tempers are running high between the reigning office-bearers led by actor Sarath Kumar and the challengers led by young actor Vishal Reddy.
Sarat Kumar is the president of the Nadigar Sangam and has been holding the post since 2006. He is also an elected member of the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly and represents the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK), an ally of the ruling AIADMK. Though Vishal Reddy has not made his stance clear on the political groupings to which he is affiliated, people close to him say that he is disposed towards the DMK.
Reddy is supported by actors Kamal Haasan and Nasser, who do not have any love lost for the AIADMK and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Haasan is known for his open support for P Chidambaram and has declared his support to the dhoti-clad prime ministerial material from Tamil Nadu. Nasser is a left-leaning artiste. Most supporters of Team Vishal Reddy are either
from the DMK or the Congress. Yesteryear star Khushboo, a national spokesperson of the Congress is openly canvassing for Vishal Reddy and Team.
Jayalalithaa has issued strict instructions to the AIADMK cadre not to contest in Sunday’s election. There are many artistes in the film fraternity who owe allegiance to both the AIADMK and the DMK. But the artistes belonging to the AIADMK camp are not contesting the election though they may cast their votes. A political shadow boxing is getting unfurled in Chennai without the active and direct participation of the two main protagonists, the AIADMK and the DMK.