NEW DELHI: The eminent theatre personality, Kavalam Narayana Panikkar, resigned from the post of vice-chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi late on Saturday night in protest against the "undemocratic and unconstitutional" style of functioning of the chairperson, Sonal Mansingh.

Mr. Panikkar submitted his resignation to the Union Minister of Culture, S. Jaipal Reddy. He is the third Government nominee on the governing council of the Akademi to submit his resignation in protest against Ms. Mansingh over the past month; the other two being Canatic vocalist, M. Balamurali Krishna, and Manipuri actress, Sabitri Heisnam.

Mr. Panikkar decided to step down after it became clear that Mr. Balamurali Krishna was in no mood to withdraw his resignation even if a request came from the Executive Board of the Akademi or Ms. Mansingh herself. Earlier in the day, the Board had unanimously decided to request the Carnatic vocalist to withdraw his resignation. A decision to this effect was taken toward the end of a seven-hour meeting.

Talking to The Hindu , Mr. Panikkar said: "Since Mr. Krishna is not prepared to withdraw his resignation, my conscience does not permit me to continue as Vice-Chairman as both of us were targeted by Ms. Mansingh." About two months ago Mr. Panikkar had written a letter of protest listing a number of allegations against the Chairperson. "After raising these allegations, I cannot remain in this post as long as she continues to be the Chairperson," he said.

Soon after the meeting, Ms. Mansingh — who is under attack from the artistic fraternity for her way of functioning — said all members were of the view that Mr. Balamurali Krishna should be requested to withdraw his resignation tendered three weeks ago. As to who would take the initiative of formally requesting him, she said, "He is a Government nominee, so we will consult the Ministry of Culture first."

"Fireworks"

Since the Executive Board was meeting for the first time after differences within the general council came out in the open, "fireworks" were expected. But, according to Mr. Panikkar, whose letter of protest was sent earlier this year, said, "This was not the forum for raising those issues."

Today's meeting of the Executive Board had been convened primarily to draw up the calendar of the Akademi events for this year and make budgetary allocations.

The decision to request Mr. Balamurali Krishna to withdraw his resignation was not on the agenda, but was brought up by Mr. Panikkar and found the support of all members. In a brief interaction with the media, Ms. Mansingh sought to dismiss the problems she is facing as that being routine for any person heading an institution. "Such things happen in any family, and I am sure they will be sorted out with understanding and maturity."

Meanwhile, the Union Minister, Mr. Jaipal Reddy, met the President, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, on Friday to discuss the controversy surrounding Ms. Mansingh, as the Chairperson of the Akademi is appointed by the President.

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