Pia Sengupta removed as EIMPA President after meeting; Ratan Saha appointed interim chief

A day of intense unrest at the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) meeting culminated with the removal of its sitting president, Pia Sengupta, through a majority voice vote. The decision came just 18 days after the results of the association’s recent election were announced. Veteran producer Ratan Saha has been appointed interim president.

Tensions had been building for a while now, with rival producer groups and EIMPA members gathering amid heightened security. Pia Sengupta initially stated that a meeting would proceed only if authorities permitted it, citing the presence of outsiders. The meeting did begin, but was repeatedly disrupted. During proceedings, Pia walked out, alleging misconduct and intimidation by fellow members, and said she would not continue under such circumstances. Attempts were made by senior members, including Satadeep Saha, to persuade her to return, and the meeting briefly resumed.

However, Pia exited again, claiming that the conduct of opposing producers made it impossible for her to participate. By then, members present at the meeting had accepted her removal through a voice vote and agreed to appoint Ratan Saha as interim president.

Pia has contested the legality of the move, maintaining that she was elected president until 2027 in an election overseen by the Calcutta High Court in 2025, and that such a removal is not permissible under the association’s rules. She added that while she disagrees with the process, she would not obstruct members from acting as they see fit.

Multiple allegations have been raised against her, including financial irregularities, alleged proximity to Arup and Swaroop Biswas, and claims that the association was being politicised. She has denied all charges, stating that she would step down voluntarily if any allegation were proven in court.

Members of the opposition argued that the voice vote reflected the will of a large majority—claiming more than 350 producer-members were present—and accused Pia of attempting to derail the meeting by repeatedly walking out. They said a fresh election would be held soon, with Ratan Saha serving as interim president until then.

The situation escalated further when Pia returned to collect files, leading to sloganeering and confusion. Reports later clarified that the files in question were not removed. Amid the chaos, she reportedly fell ill and was taken to hospital by ambulance, while an elderly member sustained an injury during the commotion.

The developments mark a period of significant instability within EIMPA, with members now awaiting clarity on the timeline for fresh elections and the association’s immediate course forward.