Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 26 (PTI) — Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala announced on Tuesday that MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has been suspended from the primary membership of the Congress party. This decision followed a review of information regarding allegations of his misconduct towards women, which the party found credible.
Chennithala emphasized that if Mamkootathil is innocent, he must prove his innocence. Mamkootathil was suspended on Monday due to multiple sexual misconduct allegations, and Chennithala stated that the Congress will not condone actions that undermine women's dignity.
"While I am not certain of the truth behind these allegations, the information gathered supports them, necessitating strong action," Chennithala explained in a telephonic interview with PTI from abroad. He described the decision against Mamkootathil as "bold and idealistic," aiming to protect women's dignity and rights. The senior leader indicated consensus among party leaders on the need for stringent measures against the Palakkad MLA.
The suspension decision was reached after consultations with the party high command. When asked about Mamkootathil's future, given the absence of an FIR, Chennithala said, "If he is innocent, he should prove it. Only then can we reconsider the decision. It's his responsibility." He added, "The party took an idealistic stance with Rahul. Initially, we asked him to resign as Youth Congress state president, which he did. Further serious revelations prompted us to collectively decide on his suspension."
Chennithala, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), acknowledged that no formal complaints, FIR, or charge sheet exists against Mamkootathil. However, the party chose to act after the allegations became public. "We made this bold decision to uphold women's dignity and public integrity. The party does not endorse such behavior," he asserted.
He further challenged CPI(M), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and the BJP to take similar decisive actions against leaders facing comparable allegations within their ranks. "I question the Chief Minister's willingness to act against charge-sheeted individuals in the Assembly. I doubt they will," he remarked.
Chennithala referenced accusations against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan, noting that he remains part of the saffron party. "This differentiates us from the BJP and CPI(M), and our stance is appreciated by party workers and the public," he said.
The disciplinary action against Mamkootathil was announced by KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Monday in Kannur. Joseph refuted political calls for Mamkootathil's resignation as an MLA. He also mentioned that the legislator set a "model" by resigning as the Youth Congress state president without awaiting a formal complaint or case.
Rahul Mamkootathil resigned recently following allegations by Malayalam actress Rini Ann George of misbehavior by a "young leader" from a prominent political party, which led to protests by the BJP and DYFI, the youth wing of CPI(M). Subsequently, more women and a transgender person leveled similar accusations.
Mamkootathil was elected as an MLA in the Palakkad by-election in November last year, following Shafi Parambil's election to Lok Sabha from Vadakara.
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