EC urged to allow drama troupes to perform during elections

An actors' body today urged the Election Commission to allow drama troupes to perform during elections and assured that no political issues would be staged in plays during Assembly polls.
The Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes' Association) submitted a memorandum to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rajesh Lakhoni in which they stated that permission was being denied for drama artistes to stage shows during the polls and that it affected their livelihood.
"In the memorandum, it has been mentioned that the professionals even find it hard to meet the school expenses of their children during the three-month period," SIAA said in a release.

They will abide by all rules laid down by EC, SIAA, with which the drama artistes are affiliated, said.
Vice president of SIAA, Ponvannan later told reporters that Lakhoni assured them that he will look into the matter.
"It is our duty to ensure that our members don't stage plays about political or party related issues," he said.
The EC had also requested the actors to participate in a voting awareness campaign which they will do, he added.