‘I was made accused for political motives'; Pisharody turns against Shweta Menon

KOCHI: Actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody stepped forward turning against actress Shewta Menon. He alleged that he was made accused in the case against the ad hoc committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for political motives. He also alleged that the intention was to defame him. The remarks were in the affidavit submitted before the Ernakulam Munsiff Court.

‘Accepted the role of chairman of the ad hoc committee only to ensure the welfare of AMMA members but stepped down the very next day after realizing that the responsibility was not suitable for him. He further claimed that although Shweta Menon had announced her resignation from AMMA, she did not hand over any official records, including the association's minutes book. Through the affidavit, Pisharody has requested the court to remove his name from the case.’

The dispute comes amid an ongoing power struggle within AMMA. The Ernakulam Munsiff Court had earlier restrained the functioning of the ad hoc committee and allowed the existing executive committee, headed by president Shweta Menon and general secretary Cuckoo Parameswaran, to continue. The court also barred the ad hoc committee from convening meetings or passing resolutions. The interim order was issued on a petition filed by Shweta Menon, who argued that the formation of the ad hoc committee violated AMMA's constitution.

At the general body meeting held on July 21, Shweta Menon announced her resignation, and other office-bearers expressed solidarity. However, none of them submitted formal resignation letters. The ad hoc committee was constituted only after Shweta Menon and others had left the meeting.

Pisharody and K B Ganesh Kumar had alleged that those who announced their resignations at the general body meeting failed to submit written resignation letters and accused Shweta Menon of misleading the members.

Responding to the controversy, Shweta Menon maintained that she would not step aside without proving her innocence. She also asserted that despite four members resigning, the executive committee continues to exist legally. Executive committee members Joy Mathew, Jayan Cherthala and Kailash submitted their resignation letters recently, while Ansiba Hassan had resigned in January. Apart from them, none of the remaining members of the 17-member committee has submitted a formal resignation letter.