‘I will not step down’: Shwetha Menon challenges AMMA’s ad hoc panel, questions its legality

Kochi: Actor Shwetha Menon has stirred fresh controversy within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) after declaring that she will not vacate her post as president, despite earlier announcing her resignation during the organisation’s recent general body meeting.

In a strongly worded statement shared on Instagram, Shwetha made it clear that she intends to continue in office until she proves her innocence against the allegations levelled against her.

The actor said she had been unfairly targeted and would not step aside under pressure.

“I will continue as the elected president until I clear the accusations against me and establish my innocence,” Shwetha stated, signaling a dramatic turn in the ongoing leadership crisis within AMMA.

Her statement has also put the spotlight on the newly formed ad hoc committee, which was recently constituted to oversee the organisation’s affairs following the resignation of the elected executive body.

Shwetha strongly questioned the legality of this temporary committee, asking whether such a provision even exists under AMMA’s official bylaws.

“Where in A.M.M.A.’s bylaws is there any provision for an ad hoc committee? How can a committee with no basis in the bylaws come into existence?” she asked.

Referring to the association’s rules, Shwetha pointed out that even if an elected committee resigns, it must continue functioning until a fresh election is held and a new committee formally takes charge.

Quoting the relevant bylaw, she stressed that there can only be one legally valid committee at a time.

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According to her, this makes her executive body the only legitimate authority until elections are completed.

She also questioned why the same rule, which was reportedly followed during Mohanlal’s resignation from the executive committee in the past, is now being overlooked.

“Whose interests are now being placed above A.M.M.A.’s own bylaws?” she asked, hinting at deeper internal politics.

Shwetha Menon’s election in August 2025 had marked a landmark moment in AMMA’s history. She became the organisation’s first woman president, while actor and dubbing artist Kukku Parameswaran took over as general secretary the first time women held the top two leadership positions simultaneously.

Her resignation, along with that of her executive committee, came less than a year into office, making the current standoff even more significant.

In her latest statement, Shwetha alleged that certain vested interests were trying to influence AMMA members and take control of the organisation through what she described as unconstitutional methods.

Her remarks came on the same day the newly formed ad hoc committee, led by actor Ramesh Pisharody, held its first official meeting.

With both sides now staking claim over AMMA’s leadership, the association appears to be heading into a major internal showdown one that could redefine its future governance.