Following protests over sexual harassment allegations, Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil has stated he has no plans to resign from his Assembly seat, as reports suggest. The Congress leader is currently at his residence in Adoor, Pathanamthitta, while protests demanding his resignation grow across the state.
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The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest march to the MLA’s office on Friday. In addition to CPM outfits, the Bharatiya Janata Party is also protesting against the young Congress leader.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the party was “very seriously” examining the issue and would take action if necessary. He noted that Mamkoottathil had already resigned from his post as Youth Congress state president, adding that there is a proper procedure and the party would “examine the matter thoroughly.”
It has been rumoured that the allegations against Rahul have caused a rift within the party, with leaders expressing different opinions on the appropriate course of action. Party sources indicate that an internal inquiry is currently underway.
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Earlier this week, when he stepped down as Youth Congress state president, Rahul said that he is innocent and insisted that he has done nothing illegal. He also challenged those behind the allegations to prove their claims. “Congress leadership has not asked for my resignation,” he told the media. “I decided to quit as Youth Congress president because I do not want my party workers to bear the brunt of these allegations.”
The controversy erupted when Malayalam actor Rini Ann George alleged that a young politician had sent her obscene messages and invited her to meet at a hotel. Although she did not take Rahul’s name, her statement triggered speculation. Soon after, writer Honey Bhaskaran alleged that Rahul made derogatory remarks about her after initiating a conversation with her on Instagram. Screenshots of alleged chats between Rahul and other women also surfaced online, which intensified the row.