Allegations against Mamkootathil serious, should not continue as MLA: Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said the allegations leveled against former Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil are extremely serious and he should not continue as an MLA.

Speaking to the media here, he claimed, “The allegation against the Palakkad MLA is a serious matter. Reports of multiple incidents, including one where the victim was allegedly threatened with death if a pregnancy was not aborted, underline the criminal nature of the issue.

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“Saying that a pregnant woman will be killed is a serious criminal matter. It is unclear how long he will be able to hold on.”

Stating that individuals who bring disgrace to public life and politics cannot be protected, the Chief Minister hinted that legal action will be pursued against Rahul. Emphasizing the importance of morality and decency in political life, he said that such values appear to be eroding within the Congress party.

CM Vijayan further said those who file complaints against Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil need not fear for their lives. The government will give necessary protection to those who file complaints.

He said there is difference of opinion on this issue within the Congress party, many in the Congress leadership have expressed their anguish over the issue. However, some Congress leaders are trying to protect Rahul.

”Such a stand should not come from someone like the opposition leader. He should reflect on why even senior members of his own party took a different stance,” the CM said.

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan has strongly countered Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s allegation that he was protecting Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing accusations of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior towards women.

Turning the criticism back at the Chief Minister, Satheesan pointed out that two members of Vijayan’s cabinet are themselves facing sexual allegations. He alleged that while a senior leader who lodged a complaint was sidelined, the accused in that case was brought into the Chief Minister’s own office. “Even an accused in a rape case is today standing in support of the Chief Minister,” Satheesan said.

He further said that an audio clip of another former minister has been circulating on WhatsApp for nearly two years, yet no measures were initiated against him.

Satheesan accused the Chief Minister of actively protecting those facing serious charges. He raised unanswered questions about the allegations of hawala and reverse hawala transactions linked to the party secretary’s son, pressing the government on why no accountability has been enforced.

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch wing of the Kerala police has filed a case against Rahul Mamkoottathil. Rahul has been charged with stalking and harassing women. The case has been registered based on various complaints received by the state police chief.

The development follows Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s comments at the press conference earlier in the day, where he termed the threatening remarks made by Rahul—revealed in leaked phone conversations—as “serious”.