Satheesan: Allegations against Rahul Mamkootathil will be probed; action will follow

Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V. D. Satheesan, on Saturday indicated that the party will take stringent action against Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA, who is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women.

Speaking to media persons, Satheesan said that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action would follow. “His removal from the charge of the organization is the first step. The allegations against him will be thoroughly investigated, and we will take stringent action without compromise,” he said.

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Satheesan’s remarks gained political significance amid mounting street protests by CPI(M) and BJP, demanding Mamkootathil’s resignation as the Palakkad MLA.

The Opposition leader pointed out that no formal complaint had been filed against Mamkootathil, yet he resigned from his post as Youth Congress state president within 24 hours of the allegations surfacing.

“Those who are now protesting and making noise should do some self-reflection on what they themselves have done in similar situations. If they want to march, it should be to Cliff House (the CM’s official residence), not to my house. In Kerala, no one protects accused persons more than the Chief Minister himself,” he alleged.

Satheesan further said that similar complaints had surfaced against leaders of both CPI(M) and BJP in the past, but no action had been taken. “They do not come and give us lectures. The Congress has a decision-making process, and we will act accordingly,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has decided to form a panel to inquire into the veracity of the allegations of sexual misconduct against Mamkootathil.

Responding to the controversy, Rahul Mamkootathil told reporters in Pathanamthitta that he would not resign as MLA. He said, “I voluntarily resigned as Youth Congress state president even though no legal complaint has been filed against me. There is no situation where I have to vacate the MLA position. I am not even thinking about resigning.”

Meanwhile, resentment has been growing within the Congress over the manner in which the issue has unfolded. A section of Congress leaders feels that the episode has dented the political advantage that the Congress and the UDF had enjoyed until now. They believe the leadership should not have promoted Mamkootathil, especially after earlier complaints had pointed to a predatory nature.