Prakash Raj resigns from MAA post his defeat by Vishnu Manchu in elections; says, “I have self-respect”

Actor Prakash Raj on Monday announced his resignation from Movie Artists Association (MAA), after his defeat in the elections that were held on October 10 for 2021-23. Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu defeated Prakash Raj and the latter graciously accepted his defeat and congratulated Vishnu.

As per a report in Indian Express, a press meet was held on Monday in Hyderabad and Prakash Raj said, “MAA elections were completed on a good note. Unlike before, nearly 650 members of MAA have participated in these elections (to cast their votes) with wisdom. First of all, my congratulations to Manchu Vishnu, Siva Balaji, Raghu Babu, and to all who have won in the election. You have come for an association and given assurances of solving problems, of which you and I are well aware. We have analyzed it, and you came up with big planning to solve them. Please do it. All the best to you.”

He added, “But today, these elections that took place, were based on regionalism, nationalism, and my nativity. They have started a slogan of ‘the bylaws should be changed; a person who is not a native Telugu should vote, but should not contest.’ You have also said that you would change the bylaws if elected. What should I do? My parents are not Telugu people, and that’s not my mistake nor theirs. As a person who had led an association, (you) wanted to have only Telugu people. Members have accepted it, and they have elected a good Telugu son. Good, I have to accept that. But as an artist, I have self-respect. Because of that, I am resigning my MAA membership”.

Prakash also messaged Vishnu on WhatsApp regarding his resignation. To which Manchu replied back saying that he is not happy with Prakash’s decision. He also called him the ‘integral’ part of their family. He shared the screenshot of their conversation on Twitter.

For the future. We are one. Always. pic.twitter.com/1Frpl8VVpt

— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) October 11, 2021

Post his win, Vishnu took to Twitter to express his gratitude. He wrote, “Good Morning! I am humbled by the love and support my film fraternity has shown to me. Before I say anything more on the MAA election; the counting for the EC Members, Joint Secretary and one of the Vice President posts start at 11 am today. Will talk after that”. He is now the new elected president of MAA.

Good Morning! I am humbled by the love and support my film fraternity has shown to me. Before I say anything more on MAA election; the counting for the EC Members, Joint Secretary and one of the Vice President posts start at 11am today. Will talk after that! ??

— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) October 11, 2021

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