Are Jagadish and Shwetha Menon Leading the Charge for AMMA's Key Positions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jagadish is contesting for the presidency of AMMA.
- Shwetha Menon is also a potential candidate for the top position.
- Current president Mohanlal has opted not to run due to criticisms.
- The elections will take place on August 15.
- Most candidates are expected to run independently this time.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 24 (NationPress) As the deadline for submitting nominations for the 17-member executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) approaches, the issuance of nearly 110 nomination forms signals a highly competitive electoral battle ahead.
AMMA is currently comprised of around 500 members.
In an interview with IANS, renowned comedian and character actor Jagadish confirmed his candidacy for the presidential position.
“I served as one of the two vice-presidents in the previous committee. When elections were announced, I anticipated that either Kunchacko Boban or veteran actor Vijayaraghavan would step up as president. However, upon their withdrawal, I decided to enter the race. I have begun reaching out to members for their support,” he stated.
Jagadish also mentioned that actress Shwetha Menon is expected to join the competition for the presidency.
On another note, actor Raveendran, recognized for his roles as a villain, revealed that current president Mohanlal has clearly indicated his intention not to run again.
“Mohanlal has shown reluctance to continue due to unfair criticisms directed at him, which have profoundly affected him,” Raveendran explained. He added that he has also collected nomination forms, and as the deadline is set for 5 p.m. today, further clarity will emerge.
Actors Baburaj and Joy Mathew are among those contending for the significant role of general secretary.
Unlike previous elections, there appears to be no official panel contesting as a unified group this time. Most candidates are anticipated to compete independently.
Mohanlal and his team were elected in 2024 for a three-year tenure. However, shocking developments from the Hema Committee report last year initiated a crisis within AMMA. The situation escalated when secretary and actor Siddique resigned, facing misconduct allegations from a former actress.
After Siddique's resignation, additional accusations against other actors surfaced. Consequently, Mohanlal announced his unwillingness to continue, leading to the resignation of the entire 17-member executive committee.
An ad hoc committee, chaired by Mohanlal, has been managing operations since then, pending the scheduling of new elections.
During AMMA's recent annual general meeting, it was determined that a new executive will be elected through a democratic process on August 15.
The final list of candidates will be confirmed by July 31, the last date for nomination withdrawals. Should multiple candidates remain in the race, voting will take place on August 15.