Anti-climax for director Ranjith; CM Pinarayi to take final decision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With tensions simmering over a setback in the LDF camp, it is more or less decided that film director Ranjith will have to step down from the post of chairman of Chalachitra Academy. Members within CPM and CPI expressed displeasure over Ranjith continuing in the position despite facing serious sexual abuse allegations. Minister Saji Cherian conveyed the situation to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It is reported that the Chief Minister suggested Ranjith to resign.

On Saturday, Ranjith returned to Kozhikode from Wayanad only after removing the ‘chairman’ board from his car. Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra is standing firm on the allegations levelled against Ranjith. Publisher MA Shahnaz also came forward against the director.

Many within CPM felt the need for Ranjith to resign as the LDF government had earlier vowed to be with the victims of such incidents rather than with predators. Even cine artists known for their lenience towards CPM criticized the statements from the culture minister on Saturday.

Apart from Minister Saji Cherian, Ranjith still has the tacit support of the party's top brass.

Meanwhile, CPI national executive member Annie Raja openly demanded Ranjith's resignation. AIYF threatened to march towards Ranjith’s office if he failed to resign. Opposition parties are also readying moves for protest.

The Chairman of the Film Academy got caught in the sex allegations at the worst possible time when the government was trying to wriggle out from the controversy over omitting serious parts from the Hema committee report. Actress Urvashi criticized 'Amma' General Secretary Siddique's shoddy response at the press conference conducted on Friday.

“Ranjith must admit that he made a mistake in his behaviour during the audition after being called to act in the movie Palerimanikyam. It is difficult to proceed with the case from Bengal. If anyone from Kerala helps, I am ready for it.’ Said Sreelekha Mitra.