CINTAA Leaders Resign Amid Power Abuse Allegations

A significant internal crisis has erupted within the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA), with eleven members of its Executive Committee resigning. General Secretary Upasana Singh confirmed the mass exodus, stating that the association's operations have deviated from established collective decision-making processes and constitutional guidelines.

The resigning members, including eight elected officials, have submitted a joint letter alleging that CINTAA President Poonam Dhillon and Senior Vice-President Padmini Kolhapure have increasingly concentrated power. Specific accusations include Dhillon making unilateral decisions, using personal email for official correspondence with government bodies, and representing the association without Executive Committee approval.

Concerns were also raised regarding the alleged use of privately hired lawyers by Dhillon and Kolhapure during official engagements, without the Executive Committee's sanction. The resigning members are demanding fresh elections to address these alleged irregularities and restore proper governance within CINTAA.

Responding to the resignations, CINTAA's legal representative stated that the Executive Committee has not been dissolved, asserting that the resignations do not meet the threshold for dissolution under the association's constitution. However, the resigning members maintain that the constitution requires dissolution if half or more of the committee members step down.