“They Are Trying to Divide Our Union”: Sumalatha

▪️ *TFTDDA President Rejects Raghu Master-Led Executive Body; Appeals to Film Chamber and Chiranjeevi for Resolution*

Hyderabad: Amid growing internal differences within the Telugu Film & TV Dancers & Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA), association president Sumalatha held a press conference and strongly objected to the announcement of a new executive body reportedly formed under the leadership of Raghu Master.

Sumalatha said the newly announced executive body was not valid and that her association did not recognise it. She questioned how her executive committee could be declared “unofficial” without serving any formal legal notice to the existing body.

“Some influential people are trying to divide our union. The executive body formed by one group yesterday is not official and has no connection with our association. Our executive committee has not received any legal notice. How can they declare our committee unofficial without issuing a notice?” Sumalatha questioned.

She also raised questions over the alleged ₹36 lakh financial irregularities reported in the association in the past and asked why the final report on the matter had not yet been submitted. She alleged that the present controversy had intensified because she questioned those who were allegedly responsible for irregularities.

“Our members have the authority to take decisions concerning our union. We are proceeding according to the rules. Some people are creating situations where members are being prevented from exercising their voting rights. We need the support of the Federation. If our executive committee has committed any mistake, it should be clearly explained,” she said.

Sumalatha also appealed to the Film Chamber and senior members of the Telugu film industry, including Chiranjeevi, Suresh Babu, Dil Raju, Ashok and Ramdas, to intervene and resolve the dispute.

“Chiranjeevi garu is someone we have immense respect for. Whenever we think of dance, he is one of the first people who comes to our mind. We request him to resolve our issue. We are facing this controversy because we questioned some members over alleged mistakes,” she said.

At the same time, Sumalatha issued a strong warning against attempts to divide the association or interfere with its functioning.

“We have been patient for a long time. If anyone tries to divide our union or disrupt our members and activities, we will strongly resist it. If anyone crosses the line, we will respond firmly. We will not tolerate any action that damages the unity of our union,” she warned.

“We Have Maintained Restraint for a Long Time”: G. Balakrishna

Association General Secretary G. Balakrishna said the executive committee had maintained restraint for a long time but had now been compelled to speak out over the developments.

“We have maintained restraint for many days. We have been facing several difficulties from some Federation elders regarding our issues. Resolutions unanimously adopted by our members at the General Body meeting are now being declared invalid. This raises a question — is there one set of rules for you and another for us?” he asked.

Balakrishna alleged that the dispute was being created because the association had questioned members who were accused of wrongdoing.

“Our association has its own rules and regulations, and we are functioning accordingly. Elections were conducted through the government process. It should be clarified to what extent the rules being cited by Federation representative Vallabhaneni Anil apply to our association. Anil garu, are we anti-association elements? Why are you trying to divide us? Instead of playing politics, please bring us together,” he appealed.

He also expressed regret if their actions had caused inconvenience to anyone.

“Even though we have not done anything wrong, if anyone has been hurt or inconvenienced, we apologise. Our intention is not to weaken the union. We want to move forward by taking everyone along. Please give us some time and allow us an opportunity to resolve our issue,” Balakrishna said.

“Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan Are Like Gods to Us”

Balakrishna recalled the support extended to the association by Megastar Chiranjeevi and Global Star Ram Charan in the past.

“Chiranjeevi garu and Ram Charan garu are like gods to us. They have provided significant financial assistance to our association in the past. We can never forget their support. We are not against you and have no opposition towards you. You are the ones who can find a solution to our problem,” he said.

“Chiranjeevi garu, please give us some time. You should deliver justice to us. Please do not divide us; instead, bring everyone together on one platform,” Balakrishna appealed.

“General Body Decision Is Crucial”: Advocate Bala

Advocate Bala, who was present at the press conference, explained the legal aspects surrounding the association’s internal dispute.

“Legally, the executive committee headed by Sumalatha should continue. Generally, the decision of the General Body is the most important authority in an association. Courts have also given importance to decisions taken by General Bodies in several instances,” he said.

According to Advocate Bala, the association’s bylaws provide for intervention or mediation by the Federation or senior members when disputes arise. However, he said, they do not have the authority to independently constitute a new executive body.

“As per the bylaws, when a dispute arises, the elders should bring both sides together and resolve the issue. They do not have the authority to create a new executive body on their own. No matter how many new executive committees are formed, they cannot be considered legally valid without following the prescribed procedure,” Advocate Bala said.