Naresh is new MAA president

After trading charges against each other for over a year, senior actor Naresh defeated his rival and actor Shivaji Raja to become the new President of the actors' guild in the elections held on Sunday. "I am thankful to all my supporters and our panel will do its best for artistes' welfare," he said. Jeevitha Rajasekhar was elected as General Secretary of the Movie Artists Association (MAA)

Actor-director S V Krishna Reddy and actress Hema are Vice Presidents. Actor Rajasekhar became executive vice-president, defeating his opponent and actor Srikanth. Both Shivaji Raja and Srikanth saw huge defeat. Other office-bearers declared elected include Rajeev Kanakala as treasurer, and two joint secretaries – Gowtham Raju and Shiva Balaji.

Naresh and his panel did extensive publicity campaign and made many allegations against Shivaji Raja, the outgoing president. Naresh had backing from Mahesh Babu and other big stars including Naga Babu.

Earlier, the top post was held by Chiranjeevi, Mohan Babu, Murali Mohan and Rajendrapasad and now Naresh dons the hat.