Cinema VinesActor Shwetha Menon, who has once again taken the helm of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), has publicly denied claims that her election was the result of a political deal. Menon, who returned to the presidency after a dramatic exit at the June 21 general body, has dismissed allegations that a ruling party paid her crores of rupees to gather support for its candidates in Kerala.
In a post on social media, Menon asked for an explanation of the logic behind the accusation, stating: “If I belong to a political party, why should I hide it? If I openly profess my affiliation to a party, what do I stand to lose? Why would I be afraid to say which party I support?” She added that the newly elected executive committee of AMMA includes members who support the CPI(M), the Congress and the BJP, and that this diversity has never been an issue for the organisation.
Menon urged members to keep politics, religion and caste out of AMMA, saying: “Let me make this very clear. This is my request to everyone trying to divide AMMA. Please do not bring religion, caste or politics into this association. AMMA belongs to all its members, irrespective of their political beliefs.” She criticised attempts to polarise the body and called the politicisation of the organisation “illogical” and “divisive.”
The controversy began after the general body’s decision to form an ad‑hoc panel, which Menon claimed was illegal. The Ernakulam Munsif Court later ruled the panel unlawful, a decision that Menon welcomed. She remains steadfast that her leadership is guided by the interests of the Malayalam film fraternity rather than any political agenda.
