Ranjit and Siddique resign due to #MeToo movement in Malayalam cinema, opposition demands resignation of minister

Ranjith and Siddique resign amid #MeToo movement in Malayalam cinema, Opposition demands minister's resignationThe Congress-led UDF welcomed the resignation of noted filmmaker Ranjith from the Chalachitra Academy and actor Siddique from the post of general secretary of the Malayalam Movie Artistes' Association (AMMA) following allegations of sexual misconduct levelled by two actors in two separate incidents.The Opposition, however, cautioned that the ongoing controversy and subsequent events would not end with their departure.
In a strong statement, Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V.D. Satheesan demanded the resignation of Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, accusing him of trying to cover up the Hema Committee report and shielding the accused by discrediting the statements of the victims.
The revelations in the Hema Committee report, which exposed several cases of sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry, have encouraged several female professionals to publicly disclose the harassment they have faced from prominent industry figures.
A Bengali actress accused Ranjith of misconduct while another actress from the state accused Siddique of sexual harassment, leading to the two resigning from their respective posts on Sunday. “The government’s attempt to protect the Akademi chairman was unsuccessful. Given the gravity of the allegations, the resignation was inevitable,” Satheeshan said. He criticised the cultural affairs minister for openly defending the accused and termed him a “disgrace” to the state. “Cherian has violated his oath and neglected his legal and constitutional duties, so he is now unfit to serve as a minister,” the opposition leader said. He accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, cultural affairs minister and the officials concerned of committing a “serious offence” by hiding the expert panel’s report despite the repeated incidents. Satheeshan reiterated the demand to immediately constitute a team of women IPS officers to investigate the findings in the Hema committee report. “The real culprits must be brought to justice immediately.” He also warned the government of serious consequences if it goes ahead with the proposed cinema conference in the coming months.
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