TANA is essentially a non-profit organization. There are strict rules under American law to operate such entities. Every penny must be properly accounted for, and the way funds are spent should be logical and reasonable. This is because it's not just individuals donating in the name of charity — even American companies contribute significant amounts through matching grants. When non-profit organizations are tainted by financial crimes and disgraceful allegations, it becomes the responsibility of the IRS and FBI to step in and set things right.
However, the irony is that nothing of that sort has happened so far, even though someone within TANA allegedly siphoned off nearly $4 million unlawfully. While members claim a complaint has already been filed, no one is actively pursuing the case—mainly because everyone is afraid. The accused reportedly warned that if anyone followed up on the complaint, he would expose others involved in similar past scams. After such a warning, the complete silence is telling that many are involved in scams.
Setting that aside, the outgoing president was supposed to conduct the upcoming convention but stepped down due to the ongoing scandals and legal fears. Yet, the convention is still happening. A group of individuals, without conducting proper elections, assumed positions within the organization — clearly violating the bylaws, which mandate elections for leadership roles.
When questioned, it was revealed that all the positions were assigned based on pledges to raise specific amounts of donations. In essence, positions were indirectly sold for a price and financial commitment. How then can we expect those who obtained their roles through such means to genuinely serve the Telugu community? What level of commitment can they really offer?
Following these events, TANA has never received such low levels of funding in recent times, thanks to its damaged reputation. Despite repeated requests and follow-ups, only a handful of prominent individuals contributed modest amounts. According to sources, the total has reached just $1.5 million—an amount that poses a major challenge to successfully conduct the event.
Many potential donors questioned why they should contribute at all, especially when financial mismanagement within TANA has become so notorious.
Adding to the organization’s woes, TANA is known for inviting high-profile chief guests to its events. But this time, the main chief guest is Rajendra Prasad. Needless to say, this led to further fallout — almost all the TDP MLAs and Ministers canceled their plans to attend. Reportedly, the party leadership advised against attending the event, fearing it would bring disgrace to the party.
So now, TANA — once believed to be closely aligned with TDP—has been completely shunned by the party. Many are applauding this decision of TDP.
A senior member of TANA opined that if the organization had resolved all internal issues, conducted elections first, and then held the convention, things would have been much smoother. He added that the active members who have now stepped forward should have thought about this earlier.
In stark contrast, NATS has risen with a clean image. According to sources, it has secured a respectable fund of $3.5 million for its upcoming event in Tampa, Florida. The chief guests include Balakrishna and Venkatesh, along with several actresses, businessmen, and politicians. At this point, NATS has emerged as the biggest Telugu association event in the USA — especially after NATA was shut down and TANA has slipped into the shadows of disgrace.
