'Mammookka left earlier, Mohanlal also stepped away after getting fed up'; unnecessary controversies were placed on his head', says Ganesh Kumar

KOCHI: Transport Minister and actor K B Ganesh Kumar has revealed why he distanced himself from the actors’ association AMMA. Speaking in an interview to a media outlet, he said he left the organisation four years ago because he was not happy with the way it was functioning.

Ganesh Kumar said that when AMMA was formed, the idea was not only to support its members but also to carry out charitable activities for society. However, he alleged that the organisation later failed to continue such public charity work.

"A part of the funds should have been used to help the poor and underprivileged. AMMA had tax benefits earlier, but it lost them because it did not continue public charity activities. There should have been a proper system to help tribal communities and poor people. That was there in the beginning, but later the organisation moved away from those goals," Ganesh Kumar said.

He also alleged that decisions taken by the committee were not being implemented. “It became the property of a few people. AMMA turned into a company to end the poverty of some individuals and to provide a livelihood for a few others. That is why I decided there should be an overall change. I was the one who suggested that women should take up leadership roles. Women came in. They should examine the accounts and review the financial matters,” he said.

Referring to senior actors Mohanlal and Mammootty, he said they are big personalities who may not have the time to closely monitor accounts, though they can provide leadership.

“The organisation will survive only if one of them gives strong leadership. Otherwise, it may run into trouble. But they became disheartened. Mammookka left earlier. Mohanlal also stepped away after getting fed up. Unnecessary controversies were placed on his head. He is not that kind of person. He is not a politician; he is an artist,” Ganesh Kumar said.