Bengaluru, (DHNS): The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) elections were marred by protests and allegations of malpractice on Tuesday as independent producers caused a ruckus at the polling station. Producers Ba Ma Harish, Dinesh Gandhi and other independent candidates accused the KFCC’s sitting president, Sa Ra Govindu, of favouring his candidates. Gandhi indirectly targeted Govindu. “There are some people occupying top positions who do not want fresh talent to come to the limelight. I have an experience of 20 years in the industry. How long will these people rule? They are so desperate for power. They run a syndicate and back only their supporters and sideline independent candidates,” he said.

Producer K Manju intervened to pacify the protesting candidates and ensured that the election went off smoothly. Veteran producer and distributor S A Chinne Gowda was elected president (distributor circle). He defeated another distributor Mars Suresh by 197 votes. Producer Subramanya H aka Kari Subbu was elected vice president (producer circle). Other winners were Ba Ma Harish, secretary (producer); Shilpa Srinivas, secretary (distributor); K M Veeresh, treasurer; K C Ashok, vice president (exhibitor); Sundar Raj, secretary (exhibitor). The results for the functional committee of producer and distributor wings are awaited.