What is wrong with accused actors contesting elections, asks Anisba; stepping aside is dignified, responds Anoop Chandran

KOCHI: Ansiba Hassan, an actress and current executive member of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), stated that there is nothing wrong with accused actors contesting the elections. “Aren’t there accused ministers in politics? Then what’s wrong if accused actors contest here?” she asked. Nominations for AMMA’s elections, scheduled for August 15, have already been filed by members. Ansiba herself has filed nomination papers for the position of Joint Secretary.

“There are ministers and politicians in society who face allegations. Politics is bigger than this organisation. If accused individuals can contest there, why should there be an issue here?” Ansiba added. Her remarks come at a time when there has been internal opposition within AMMA against accused members contesting for leadership positions.

However, actor Anoop Chandran offered a contrasting opinion, stating that it is more dignified for those under allegations to step aside. “This is the time for cleansing within AMMA; let us have a better AMMA,” he said. Anoop has also filed nomination papers to contest. Actor Raveendran, too, had earlier voiced that accused individuals should refrain from contesting.

The leadership of AMMA was dissolved after the release of the Hema Committee report and in the wake of several sexual harassment allegations against some of the governing body members. Until a new committee is elected, an ad-hoc committee is overseeing the organisation’s functions. This year's election is expected to be a major contest with a record number of candidates. Prominent names like Shweta Menon and Jagadish are in the fray. For the first time in its 32-year history, so many individuals are running for election, with 110 actors having collected nomination forms so far.