No financial irregularity: Poonam Dhillon addresses claims against film-TV body
What's the story
Poonam Dhillon, the President of Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA), has responded to allegations of financial irregularities and "dictatorship" made by former General Secretary Upasana Singh. Speaking at a press conference, Dhillon said, "Upasana Singh's allegations are completely baseless and false. Every penny raised is fully accounted for and reaches its rightful beneficiary." She added, "Not a single rupee is used for personal gain."
Defense
Senior VP also dismissed Singh's claims
Dhillon emphasized CINTAA's commitment to transparency and accountability.
She said, per Deccan Chronicle, "We have zero tolerance for anything illegal or unconstitutional. Our work stands on transparency, accountability, and facts and the records speak for themselves."
Senior Vice President Padmini Kolhapure also dismissed Singh's allegations as untrue, stating that the funds raised are handled responsibly and directed to their intended beneficiaries.
Internal conflict
11 out of 21 members of executive committee resigned
Earlier this month, 11 out of 21 members of CINTAA's Executive Committee resigned and demanded fresh elections.
The resignations were submitted to Singh, who accepted them as General Secretary.
The resigning members alleged that decision-making had become increasingly concentrated in the hands of Dhillon, Kolhapure, and a few others on the Executive Committee.
They also claimed that Dhillon had made several key decisions unilaterally, including communicating with government officials using her personal email ID.
Dispute details
Singh said disagreements were over disciplinary actions taken against artists
Singh had earlier told Hindustan Times that one of the main disagreements was over how disciplinary action was allegedly being taken against artists.
She alleged that those who were not "yes ma'am" were served show-cause notices.
She also said that as per CINTAA's constitution, if half the committee resigns, it gets dissolved and fresh elections are announced.
However, she claimed Dhillon and her associates hadn't resigned.
EGM controversy
Dhillon continues to work amid controversy
Singh also criticized the association for holding an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) even after the committee was dissolved.
This further added to the ongoing dispute over the functioning of CINTAA.
Separately, Dhillon continues to remain active in the entertainment industry with recent roles in Punjabi comedy-dramas Madhaniyan and Jaggo Aayi Aa.