Mammootty denies power centre allegations amid mollywood #metoo controversy
Thiruvananthapuram: Amid growing controversy in the Malayalam film industry over sexual assault allegations against prominent figures, veteran actor Mammootty has denied the existence of a "power centre" in Mollywood. This statement follows Mohanlal’s recent denial of involvement in any power groups within the industry.
In a Facebook post, the 72-year-old actor emphasised that cinema mirrors society, including its flaws, and urged the police to conduct an honest investigation. He also welcomed the recommendations of the Justice Hema Committee, formed in response to allegations of misconduct in the industry.
Mammootty's statement comes as the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlights the control of the Malayalam film industry by a small group of male producers, directors, and actors, has become public. The report, submitted in 2019 but released only recently, has led to the dissolution of the top panel of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), which was led by Mohanlal.
Several actors and filmmakers, including Jayasurya, Sidhique, and Mukesh, are currently facing accusations of sexual harassment or assault, intensifying the scrutiny on the industry.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Siddaramaiah defends BPL ration card cancellation, says only ineligible beneficiaries affected
New Delhi, Nov 21: In a strong defence of the Karnataka government's move to cancel ration cards, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday clarified that only government employees and income tax payers are being weeded out from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list, not eligible poor beneficiaries.
Talking to reporters, Siddaramaiah asserted that the cancellation is in line with the National Food Security Act, which explicitly bars government employees and income tax payers from receiving BPL ration cards.
He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of raising a politically motivated issue despite originally opposing the food security legislation.
"The rights of eligible ration card holders will be fully protected," the chief minister emphasised, dismissing opposition claims that the move was linked to fund constraints for implementing poll promises.
ALSO READ: Karnataka to reissue BPL cards for eligible families: Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
The controversy stems from the Karnataka government's recent survey identifying 22.63 lakh BPL card-holders as ineligible. This move has triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and the BJP.
Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi claimed the central government had directed the state to clean the beneficiary lists. He alleged that the card cancellation was a strategy to avoid implementing the state's Gruha Lakshmi Yojana scheme.
Siddaramaiah hit back, reminding that the food security law was introduced during the Manmohan Singh government in 2013 to protect poor citizens' interests. He criticised the BJP for previously reducing food grain allocation from seven kg to five kg per beneficiary during B S Yediyurappa's tenure.
The chief minister categorically stated that there would be no compromise on the five poll guarantees and that sufficient funds were available for their implementation.
Siddaramaiah was in the national capital for the launch of Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd's Nandini brands in Delhi. He also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the issue of farm loan.
