Mohanlal re-elected ‘AMMA’ president, tough race for general secretary post

KOCHI: Mohanlal was re-elected unopposed as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). When the time for filing nomination papers ended, Mohanlal was the only candidate for the president’s post. This is Mohanlal's third term as AMMA President.

Meantime, it is almost certain that there will be a race for the posts of general secretary and vice president. Siddique, Kukku Parameswaran and Unni Sivapal are contesting for the general secretary post. Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala and Manju Pillai are the candidates for the vice president post.

Idavela Babu, who was in the general secretary post for more than two decades had announced that he is not in the fray. The annual general body of AMMA and office bearer elections are held on June 30. Idavela Babu himself had responded that he will quit from the post on that day. Babu had also said that one who does not misuse power will become the general secretary.

'Sometimes will have to think as work. Decision is to relinquish before that. It's time for new people to come. New thoughts should come. The post has many powers. I wish that someone who does not misuse it should come. Lalettan had also decided to leave that post if I am not there. He changed that decision in a collective discussion held. The problems arose when politics got into the heads of the people in the organization. No one had politics before.

Now everyone has influence in different political parties. The people are also aware of it. That feeling is the biggest danger AMMA suffered. Since then, there were criticisms. Rs 3 crore are required regularly to run things including insurance. It is not easy to make that amount and it can only happen if there is a collective effort. Elsewhere, the vehicle will be blocked somewhere', said Idavela Babu.

Elections are held in the organization once in three years. This year's general body meeting will be held in Kochi on June 30. Nomination papers were collected from those interested in contesting from June 3rd onwards. AMMA has 506 members who have the right to vote.

It is expected that there will be a discussion about ways to improve the financial condition of the organization in this general body meeting. A substantial amount needs to be raised annually for things including welfare, insurance and functional expenses. Presently AMMA is giving Kaineettams to 112 members who are in a poor financial condition. Finding this amount is often difficult. Therefore, it is reported that there will be suggestions in the meeting to bring a permanent system to raise the financial income.