Ganesh Kumar evades question on whether he is part of ‘power group’

KOCHI: Minister K B Ganesh Kumar refused to respond on the allegations leveled against film academy chairman Ranjith. Ganesh said that he is not in films now and reply from government's side has been given by the chief minister. When asked whether he was part of the power group, the minister smiled and evaded the question. I will answer to any questions on KSRTC, he said.

Meantime, the government is on the defensive when it became clear that the Hema Committee report was released by the cultural department after omitting information not banned by the Right to Information Commission. The new controversy comes after the high court demanded the full form of the report on the very serious issue. This also intensified opposition's attack.

The CPM and LDF are simmering with displeasure over the government's approach to the report, which also includes revelations to impose a POCSO case. Party state secretary M V Govindan while talking to the media said the government did not cut anything knowing that public sentiment will be against it.

Meanwhile, the allegations levelled by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra against Ranjith, the chairman of the film academy and a left supporter, have embarrassed the government. She alleged that Ranjith misbehaved with her when she came for the audition of Paleri Manikyam. Ranjith had denied this. The opposition has demanded Ranjith's resignation.

Minister Saji Cherian responded that action will be taken if the allegations against Ranjith are proved. The minister said the government will not protect anyone who commits a mistake. The minister's response was via a Facebook post.

The minister had earlier said that Ranjith is a talented artist. He said the government will take legal action if the actress comes forward with a complaint.