Manchu Vishnu, who is running for the President of MAA, on Friday met the press to talk about his priorities. A day after announcing his panel, the actor appeared before the media with the key members of his panel. 

Speaking on the occasion, Vishnu said that there can be no political interference in MAA elections. He also added that only those who are competent to run affairs are part of his panel. The 'Mosagallu' actor gave the example of Babu Mohan, who is a 3-time MLA and a 2-time Minister with a "clean track record".

Vishnu indirectly hit out at the Prakash Raj panel, saying that the panel has got good actors but not necessarily competent administrators. He also questioned the argument that MAA is not a charity organization. "We ought to give pensions to old artists. It's our responsibility. It's also going to be my priority to give life and medical insurance to the members," Vishnu said.

"99% of what the Opposition panel is talking is hogwash. The panel has got talented actors with whom I have worked in the past. But they are not making sense as MAA members," Vishnu thundered. 

Vishnu also suggested that he believes MAA has to be beefed up by increasing the strength of its membership from 900 to 2000. 

'My father is pained'

Vishnu said that the divisions within the film fraternity ahead of MAA elections have pained his father, Mohan Babu, a great deal. "Never have the divisions been this intense. I don't understand why," the 'D&D' star said. 

"MAA is facing unprecedented challenges today," he added.