Chennai: Actor Vishal’s decision to contest the RK Nagar by-election which led to a divide in the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) has seen its reflections in the Nadigar Sangam.

Vishal is the president of TFPC and general secretary of Nadigar Sangam. Both the associations have found it hard to digest his decision to plunge into politics leaving widespread dissent. Sangam vice-president submitted his resignation to president Nasser, stating: “We contested the election as team and won. The promise we made then was that we will stay apolitical.”

When the team had called on former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the decision not to involve in politics was appreciated by her, he recounted.

“When everyone in the film industry heaped laurels on us for standing under one roof without any political influence and committed to serve the cause of our members, the sudden decision by Vishal to contest the RK Nagar by-election has shocked us,” his letter says.

Though every voter has the right to contest elections, it is `appalling’ that an individual who promised to stay away from politics has decided to take political plunge, he added.

It was clear now that any decision of the Sangam would now be viewed as being `influenced by his political ambitions’, the actor-filmmaker said. “The need of the hour is to stand united and achieve our goals,” the letter says.

“With a mega star night planned by the Sangam in Malaysia in January, I think as a general secretary, he (Vishal) should focus his attention on conducting such a mammoth event successfully rather than going behind politics,” he added.

Ponvannan made it clear that he was quitting as vice-president, he, as a life-time member, would co-operate with all Sangham activities as also the star night.

Sangam office-bearers said they were not aware of the resignation. Rumours are rife that Ponvannan has been sidelined for the star night preparations which led to his resignation.

Yesterday, the general body meeting of the Tamil Film Producers Council had an abrupt end when members, including Cheran, demanded Vishal’s resignation which they felt would leave the State Government unhappy.

According to sources, when the issue was raised, Vishal said the matter would be taken up later and the meeting should go by the agenda, leading to furore.