Chennai: The City police have heightened security at the St.Ebba's Girls higher secondary school in Mylapore where polling for the Nadigar Sangam elections are to be held Sunday.
More than 200 police personnel will be on security detail at the venue where around 3,139 members (film and drama artistes) are to cast their votes.
"The area will be cordoned off and fans would not be allowed entry in the premises. Only the artistes and their drivers will be allowed," said a senior police officer. Police have not made any traffic diversions. The area will be under CCTV surveillance. The polling is expected to begin at 7 am and end at 5 pm. Retired Madras High Court Judge, Justice E.Padmanaban, has been appointed as the election officer for the polls.
The elections for the South Indian Film Artistes' Association (SIFAA) aka Nadigar Sangam is being held after a long time following intervention by the Madras High Court after a faction of actors petitioned the court. Actor Politician and incumbent R.Sarathkumar is contesting for the President's post against veteran actor Nasser.. Actors Radha Ravi and Vishal are competing for the posts of General Secretary. Apart from the key posts, two Vice presidents, a treasurer and 24 executive committee members will be elected.
The fiercely fought campaigns reached a flashpoint on Friday when both the factions held campaigns at separate halls in the city. While Sarath Kumar's faction held its campaign at a marriage hall in Kodambakkam, the opposing faction of which cctor Vishal is the face convened a meeting with their supporters at K.K.Nagar. Both the factions have been campaigning throughout the state meeting theater artistes seeking their support.
