Published Aug 28, 2024 | 2:53 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 28, 2024 | 2:56 PM
K Surendran and VD Satheesan
Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan slammed the state government over its inaction on the Hema Committee report and raised five questions for it to answer.
The Congress leader alleged that the government is on the defensive regarding the Hema Committee report.
Meanwhile, BJP state president K Surendran accused the state government of deliberately avoiding the implementation of the report’s recommendations, claiming that the government is using emerging controversies to evade serious issues highlighted in the report.
“The government is trying to save some individuals by playing hide-and-seek. The government’s actions are creating an impression among the public that everyone in the film industry is troublesome,” Satheesan said.
“However, there are many good people in the film industry. The government is hiding the real culprits, which is why even innocents are being humiliated in Kerala. The government should resolve this issue,” Satheesan told reporters at Puthanathani in Malappuram.
The Opposition leader accused the government of silence and evasion over the Hema Committee report, which revealed a series of crimes in the film industry.
He alleged that despite repeated questions, Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan has refused to comment, only answering queries that the Chief Minister likes.
Satheesan said the opposition is demanding answers to five key questions.
Surendran stated that the government’s current stance appeared to be a complete rejection of the report’s essence, adding that the administration lacks the resolve to address the commission’s critical observations.
He pointed out that the controversies surrounding the report are being used as an opportunity for the government to deflect attention from the real issues.
“The special investigation team appointed by the government is nothing more than a tool to mislead the public,” he said.
He also called for immediate action against Kollam MLA Mukesh, who is facing serious allegations, and demanded his resignation as a sign of the government’s sincerity.
“If the government is genuinely concerned, it should file a case against Mukesh, interrogate him, and proceed with his arrest,” Surendran urged.
He also noted that even leaders within the CPI are openly calling for Mukesh’s resignation, yet the CPI(M) and the government continue to shield him.
In addition to his criticism of the government’s handling of the Hema Committee report, Surendran questioned the decision to hold a film conclave involving Mukesh, amid the ongoing controversies. He also raised concerns about the involvement of filmmaker Shaji N Karun in the event, urging the government to cancel the conclave altogether.
“What kind of conclave are the hunters planning to hold together?” Surendran asked, demanding clarity from the Chief Minister on the issue.
The development comes at the heels of the release of the Hema Committee report on 19 August that exposed the sexual harassment and difficulties endured by female actors in the Malayalam film industry.
The Justice Hema committee was formed in 2017 after the alleged abduction and subsequent harassment of a female actor allegedly orchestrated by actor Dileep.
Amidst allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation against several actors and directors, the state government announced the establishment of a seven-member special investigation team on 25 August to probe them.
Subsequently, many complaints surfaced, creating ripples in the Malayalam film industry.
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