Congress Suspends Kerala MLA Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Mamkootathil had already resigned from his position as State President of the Youth Congress
Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress party has suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from its primary membership following accusations of obscene conduct filed by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George. However, he will continue to serve as a legislator.
The suspension came amid rising protests and growing calls for his resignation. Mamkootathil had already resigned from his position as State President of the Youth Congress.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have been protesting and demanding Mamkootathil’s resignation. On Sunday, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), carried out a protest march in Kerala’s Palakkad with the same demand.
On Friday, BJP Council Party leader from Kozhikode Corporation, Navya Haridas, alleged that several more complaints had been raised against Mamkootathil. Mahila Morcha State President also claimed that women and even transgender persons had levelled sexual harassment complaints against the Palakkad MLA.
“There are many allegations against the current Palakkad MLA, Rahul Mamkootathil. It’s not a complaint from one woman; there are several women, and even transgender individuals, with complaints backed by proof, including chat history and voice messages,” Haridas told ANI.
She added that Mahila Morcha is planning multiple protests across Palakkad and other districts of Kerala over the issue.
Earlier on Thursday, Kerala LoP and Congress leader VD Satheesan addressed the allegations and assured a thorough probe by the party. “The party will look into the allegations and check their gravity. If they are serious, necessary action will be taken without delay. No leniency will be shown,” Satheesan said.
