Tuesday, June 7 2005 19:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Renowned danseuse Sonal Mansingh was replaced as chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi with immediate effect by former Union Minister Ram Niwas Mirdha, bringing to an end a tumultuous period in the history of the Akademi.

Mansingh who was appointed as the head of the Akademi during the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) regime was facing music from the detractors in the body over her "autocratic and undemocratic" style of functioning.

Several artistes had resigned from the Akademi in the last few months and had complained to the Government over the State of affairs in the organisation set up to promote dance, drama music.

The agitated artistes had even petitioned President A P J Abdul Kalam and complained to I and B Minister Jaipal Reddy.

Mirdha, who replaces Mansingh, is a Former Minister who handled various portfolios during the days of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and was also chairman of Joint Parliamentary Committee appointed in the 1990s to go into the securities scam.

Mirdha has also been associated in the field of arts for long. He was chairman of the Central Election Authority of the Congress till few months back.

Later in the day, Mirdha assumed charge in the Akademi office here. Senior officials of the Akademi, including its Secretary Jayant Kastuar, were present on the occasion. Mirdha did not entertain any queries from the press saying that he would address the media in a day or two.