Senior producer Natti Kumar has asserted that he will work relentlessly for the welfare and well-being of the members of the Telugu Film Producers Council. The council elections are scheduled to be held on Sunday. Natti Kumar is contesting independently for the post of Treasurer, without being associated with either panel, while his son Natti Kranthi is contesting for the post of Executive Member.
Speaking at a press meet held at his office in Hyderabad on Friday, Natti Kumar said that the Mana Panel and Progressive Panel are contesting the council elections, but expressed confidence that he would accomplish things that neither panel could deliver.
He alleged that Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, who had earlier promised to implement a medical insurance health policy on behalf of the Mana Panel, failed to fulfil the commitment and questioned his decision to contest for the Treasurer post again.
Natti Kumar also made allegations against the two panels and their candidates. He claimed that the Mana Panel had sought the support of Bandla Ganesh out of fear, while alleging that Bandla Ganesh had misled people associated with the Guild.
Regarding the Progressive Panel, Natti Kumar said that Sravanthi Ravikishore, who is contesting from the panel, is capable as a Chartered Accountant, but alleged that he would not support welfare schemes intended for council members and could instead create obstacles.
Natti Kumar said that both he and his son are contesting the elections with members’ welfare as their primary agenda. He stated that they would approach even senior personalities such as Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna and Pawan Kalyan and seek their support to implement welfare measures. He also said that they have the blessings of Chiranjeevi.
Criticising the functioning of the Mana Panel committee, Natti Kumar alleged that it had followed improper practices, particularly in implementing the medical insurance policy. He claimed that different standards were being followed for different people and alleged that the committee had failed to ensure proper auditing of financial accounts.
He further alleged that the committee does not regularly conduct Executive Body meetings and lacks accountability when members seek explanations regarding financial matters or other issues.
Natti Kumar also expressed the view that even if the Progressive Panel wins, it may not be able to bring about significant changes as its members would remain occupied with their regular film productions.
He also criticised the Guild over its earlier promise of introducing a cashless card system, alleging that the promise was not fulfilled.
Recalling that members had elected him as an independent candidate in the previous election, Natti Kumar appealed to them to support him this time for the Treasurer post. He promised to work towards implementing a ₹10 lakh medical insurance health policy for council members.
He also said he would make every effort to increase the death fund to ₹10 lakh and the pension to ₹5,000, and pledged to implement these measures through a proper action plan.
Natti Kumar issued a strong challenge, stating that if he fails to implement these promises within six months of being elected, he will resign from his post.
He clarified that many people in both panels are personally close to him, but said he decided to contest because he believes the Producers Council is an important institution and that the welfare of its members should be given the highest priority.
Recalling his association with legendary filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao as his disciple and his admiration for Chiranjeevi, Natti Kumar said he would never do anything wrong. He also alleged that there are bogus votes in the voter list and demanded an inquiry into the matter.
Natti Kumar concluded by stating that, whether he wins or loses, he will continue to fight for the interests of producers. He also claimed credit for the recently issued GO provisions relating to 25% occupancy and the fifth show, saying that the achievement was due to his efforts.
