Chennai: In Tamil Nadu, politics and cinema have been going hand-in-hand from early ’70s, but all three major political parties, ruling AIADMK, opposition DMK and DMDK, are refraining from supporting the two factions of Nadigar Sangam ahead of its crucial elections scheduled for October 18.
According to AIADMK party sources, the top brass through its senior ministers have informed actors affiliated to the ruling party to vote as per their conscience and not to align with any faction.
“Our party seniors have told us that the party has nothing to do with Nadigar Sangam polls, but we will work for the victory of the actors associated with the ruling party”, an actor and regular election campaigner for the AIADMK said.
“Our party has no role in the South Indian Artistes Association polls, but we will support the candidature of actors associated with DMK”, said DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan, when contacted. Leader of the Opposition in the TN assembly and DMDK leader Vijayakanth, who is also a past president of the association, is also not taking sides.
Congress national spokesperson actor Kushboo also seems to be not active in the SIAA polls, but she seems to be affiliated to the team led by Vishal. Meanwhile, actors Kamal Hasan and Vadivelu on Friday extended their support for the candidature of actor Nasser for the top post.
“South Indian Artistes Association has now become a laughing stock with the contenders trading charges against each other. Though Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, or former CMs Karunanidhi and MGR were members of Nadigar Sangam, they never gave a political colour to the sangam, but of late actors are fragmented on political lines and this is not good for the association”, rued an actor and former office-bearer of SIAA, seeking anonymity.
