Congress Urges Manchu Vishnu To Cancel Srikanth Iyengar’s MAA Membership

Hyderabad: The Congress has urged Movie Artists Association (MAA) president Manchu Vishnu to cancel actor Srikanth Iyengar’s membership after his remarks on Mahatma Gandhi drew sharp public criticism and a police complaint. The party said the comments were objectionable and demanded strict action from both law enforcement and film industry bodies. MLC Balmuri Venkat, who had approached the Cyber Crime police earlier, submitted a fresh complaint to the industry association and called on senior film personalities to speak up on the issue.

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Gandhi remarks trigger complaints and calls for action

In a video that circulated widely, Srikanth Iyengar’s comments on the Father of the Nation sparked a backlash across Hyderabad and beyond. The Congress, which had already approached the Cyber Cell demanding stringent legal action, escalated the matter by filing a complaint with the Movie Arts Association.

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The party framed the issue as one of public responsibility and decorum, asserting that the language used about Mahatma Gandhi was unacceptable in civil discourse. It reiterated that professional bodies have a duty to uphold standards and take corrective measures when members breach them.

Congress presses Manchu Vishnu, urges film industry to respond

On Saturday, Congress MLC Balmuri Venkat met MAA president Manchu Vishnu and formally requested cancellation of Srikanth Iyengar’s membership, terming the actor’s behavior “highly objectionable.” Venkat said he had asked the association to act without delay and set a clear example.

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Speaking to the media, he appealed to film luminaries to respond to the issue and make their positions clear. He noted that the party’s complaint with Cyber Crime police sought strict action in line with applicable laws and emphasized that institutional responses from the industry were equally important.

What the complaint seeks and next steps

The Congress complaint to MAA frames the matter as both a legal and ethical question. It asks the association to initiate disciplinary proceedings and revoke membership, while urging the broader film community to condemn the remarks.

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The party’s approach highlights two tracks: a legal route through Cyber Crime authorities and an industry route through internal mechanisms.

As of now, Congress leaders are awaiting a formal response from MAA and further updates from the police. Venkat underlined that public figures carry added responsibility in their statements and that industry bodies should not hesitate to act when that responsibility is ignored.

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