'Penmakkal' pushes for fresh AMMA election; Mala Parvathy, Usha Haseena lead discussions

Kochi: A section of women members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is calling for a fresh election as the organisation continues to face an internal leadership crisis.

The demand has emerged through "Penmakkal", a WhatsApp group formed by women members of the association. An opinion poll conducted within the group has found that a majority of participants favour holding a fresh election.

The group has around 120 members, and most of those who have responded so far have supported the proposal for a new election.

Debate centres on Shwetha Menon's future

The discussion in the WhatsApp group is focused on whether AMMA president Shwetha Menon, who announced her resignation during the organisation's general body meeting, should remain in office or whether the association should elect a new leadership.

Members have been asked to register their opinion by choosing between two options. Those supporting a fresh election have been asked to vote "1", while those who want Shwetha Menon to continue as president have been asked to vote "2". The poll and discussions are currently underway within the group.

Shwetha removed from group after resignation

Following her announcement that she was stepping down both as AMMA president and as a primary member of the organisation, Shwetha Menon was removed from the women members' WhatsApp group.

After her exit from the group, efforts have reportedly intensified to bring together more women members and build support for conducting a fresh election.

Actors Mala Parvathy and Usha Haseena are among those leading the discussions and helping shape opinion within the group.

Last month, Shwetha Menon announced her resignation as president, along with the resignation of the entire executive committee, following heated exchanges and a no-confidence move during the association's annual general body meeting in Kochi. The dispute centred on allegations relating to the organisation's functioning, financial transparency and internal governance.