THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Aug 25 — The Congress party has suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from its primary membership following allegations of sexual misconduct, ANI reported, though he will continue to serve as a legislator.
The suspension comes amid rising protests and demands for his resignation. Mamkootathil had earlier stepped down as the state president of the Youth Congress.
The controversy emerged after Malayalam actor Rini George accused an unnamed youth leader of inappropriate conduct. While George did not explicitly name Mamkootathil, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has linked him to the allegations. Additionally, trans-woman activist Avanthika accused Mamkootathil of sending “sexually regressive” messages and sharing disturbing sexual fantasies.
On Sunday, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), held a protest march in Palakkad demanding Mamkootathil’s resignation. BJP and CPI leaders have also been vocal in their calls for him to step down.
Earlier on Thursday, Kerala Leader of Opposition and Congress leader VD Satheesan addressed the allegations, assuring a thorough investigation by the party. “The party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision. We will make a decision immediately; there won’t be any delay… We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy,” Satheesan said.
Authorities and party officials have not yet disclosed the outcome of the internal inquiry, but the case has already intensified public scrutiny of Mamkootathil and drawn widespread media attention.
