AMMA elections: Women contesting for key positions

KOCHI: Following the withdrawal of Baburaj due to allegations and opposition, the contest for key positions in the actors’ association AMMA has turned into a women-dominated race. Women candidates are in the fray for the posts of President and General Secretary, while Ansiba Hassan remains unopposed for the position of Joint Secretary.

Baburaj, who was the sitting Joint Secretary, faced objections to his candidature for the General Secretary post, with demands that individuals facing allegations should not contest. After Saritha Nair, accused in the solar scam, also raised financial allegations against him, Baburaj withdrew his nomination. Anoop Chandran and Jayan Cherthala also pulled out of the race.

Jagadish withdrew his nomination to pave the way for a woman president. He made the decision after discussions with Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Suresh Gopi. Raveendran, Joy Mathew, Anoop Chandran, and Jayan Cherthala also stepped back, while Devan remained in the contest.

Following the resignation of General Secretary Siddique over a harassment case, Mohanlal had been serving as president of the ad hoc committee. At the last general body meeting, Mohanlal stated that he would not seek to continue in the role, leading to the decision to conduct elections. This time, none of the prominent actors are in the fray, and the polls are scheduled for August 15.

Candidates list

President: Shweta Menon, Devan

General Secretary: Kuku Parameswaran, Raveendran

Vice President: Jayan Cherthala, Lakshmipriya, Nasser Latif

Joint Secretary: Ansiba Hassan

Treasurer: Anoop Chandran, Unni Shivapal

Executive Committee (Women): Anjali Nair, Asha Aravind, Neenu Kurup, Sajitha Betti, Sarayu Mohan

Executive Committee (General): Joy Mathew, Kailash, Nandu Poduval, Dr. Rony David Raj, Santosh Keezhattoor, Sujoy Varghese, Tiny Tom, Vinu Mohan