Congress leaders demand Rahul Mamkootathil’s resignation as MLA amid sexual harassment allegations

Rahul Mamkootathil, facing allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women, is likely to resign as an MLA soon. The move comes after senior leaders including Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, V.M. Sudheeran, Uma Thomas MLA, and Shanimol Usman publicly stood against him.

There are strong indications that a consensus has been reached within the party on this issue. KPCC President Sunny Joseph has also demanded his resignation.

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Senior Congress leader and former KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala has hardened his stance on the controversy, citing fresh “evidence” against the former Youth Congress state president.

He asserted that Rahul Mamkootathil should not be allowed to continue as an MLA “even for a moment” and must resign immediately.

Chennithala’s remarks come amid intensifying protests over the sexual harassment allegations. He clarified that Rahul’s continuance as an MLA would damage the party, especially with the possibility of further revelations.

Chennithala reportedly conveyed his views during discussions with KPCC President Sunny Joseph and AICC General Secretary Deepa Das Munshi.

On Sunday, Congress MLA Uma Thomas also demanded Rahul’s immediate resignation, stressing that comparisons with how other parties handle such issues are irrelevant.

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan—once a mentor and staunch supporter of Rahul—has now distanced himself, reportedly expressing frustration and disappointment over the series of allegations and controversies surrounding the young leader.

Satheesan is said to have communicated to the leadership that Rahul must step down as MLA as well. Speaking to the media on Saturday, he hinted that Rahul’s resignation as Youth Congress president was only the beginning, emphasizing that Congress would set itself apart from other parties by not shielding tainted leaders.

Former KPCC president K. Muraleedharan also stressed that the party must not protect a leader facing such grave charges. Referring to a leaked phone conversation in which Rahul allegedly pressured a woman to undergo an abortion, Muraleedharan said the matter “cannot be brushed aside.”

Within the party, many leaders believe that if Rahul clings to his MLA post on technical grounds, it will only deepen Congress’s crisis and embarrassment. His resignation, they argue, is the only way to resolve the issue and limit political damage.

At the same time, a section of the leadership is wary of the consequences of his resignation. A by-election in Palakkad would follow, which some fear could be a setback for the party in the present climate. However, others including V.D. Satheesan believe Rahul’s resignation would strengthen the party’s credibility and give it an edge over opponents ahead of upcoming local body and Assembly elections.

Many within the Congress feel that Rahul’s exit would end internal discord and send a strong message to both the Assembly and the wider public. With local body elections only months away, they argue that the party needs a moral and political reset. Rahul stepping down would, in their view, give Congress a clear upper hand.

Meanwhile, Shafi Parambil MP has come out in Rahul’s defence, pointing out that he had already resigned from party posts soon after the controversy erupted. It is learnt that Shafi Parambil is the only leader within the party extending political support to Rahul.

Amid the crisis, the party high command is believed to have directed the KPCC leadership not to jeopardize Congress’s prospects of returning to power in Kerala by protecting leaders facing serious allegations.