CINTAA polls go ahead amid legal wrangling as artistes voice hope for unity

The Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) went to the polls on September 12, capping a turbulent period that saw internal differences spill into legal challenges and public statements from several actors and office-bearers.

Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) President B.N. Tiwari said organising the election was far from smooth, with multiple legal and procedural hurdles raised in an attempt to halt it. He said the federation, which oversees 38 affiliated associations, was not deterred and had put in place tight security arrangements, with instructions for everyone to wait until the evening of September 12.

Former CINTAA General Secretary Upasana Singh said the election was being conducted under a court order and alleged that attempts were made to discourage members from taking part, including threats of card cancellation and legal action. She maintained that the process was in keeping with the association's constitution, which she said provides for an election when more than half the members resign, and pointed to the turnout as evidence that members wanted to vote.

Cine Artiste Welfare Trust Chairperson Priti Sapru welcomed the polling, saying a campaign to boycott it had failed. She argued that the election should have been held earlier, when the committee brought in during the previous term was dissolved, rather than being postponed.

Actor Gajendra Chauhan described the row as an internal family matter and expressed hope that the incoming committee would work to secure the rights of CINTAA members. He said it was unfortunate that the dispute had reached the streets, a police station and the court.

Actor Nagma said such atmospheres are common during elections and noted that no one who wished to file a nomination and contest had been stopped. Former treasurer Deepak Parashar urged members to vote for candidates they believed best suited for the responsibility, and spoke of the difficulties he faced during his two-and-a-half years in the voluntary, unpaid post, saying he stepped forward at 74 to contribute his time and effort.

Actor Vindu Dara Singh called for peace and said CINTAA and the Cine Artiste Welfare Trust should work together, recalling the contributions of Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure, Upasana Singh, Deepak Parashar and Mukesh ji, and expressing sadness that matters had come to this pass.

The dispute had intensified last month when eleven members resigned, raising concerns over decisions being taken without adequate consultation with the executive committee. Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure rejected the allegations. The election process was subsequently challenged in court, and on September 9 the court permitted the polls to proceed, subject to the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.