BJP Stages Protest Against Suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil In Palakkad
Party workers rally outside Mamkootathil’s office, opposing his potential return to the constituency.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists staged a vocal protest early Saturday in front of the office of suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in Palakkad, north Kerala, amid rumours of his potential return to the constituency. The demonstration, fuelled by recent allegations of sexual misconduct against the legislator, underscored deepening political rifts in the region, where women's safety and party accountability have become flashpoints in Kerala's polarised landscape.
Mamkootathil, the 37-year-old representative from the Palakkad assembly seat, has been absent from his district for over a month following a series of complaints accusing him of misbehaviour toward women and a transgender individual. The Congress party suspended him on September 10, 2025, pending an internal inquiry, a move that has intensified scrutiny on the party's handling of internal dissent.
BJP women workers and supporters gathered outside his office at 6 a.m., brandishing placards with messages like "Rahul, Stay Away" and chanting slogans denouncing his alleged actions. They vowed to prevent his re-entry, framing the protest as a stand against moral lapses in public life.
In a parallel mobilisation, BJP cadres positioned themselves near Palakkad Junction railway station to intercept any train arrival, anticipating his travel route. By 8 a.m., police intervened at the office site, dispersing the crowd and detaining several activists under preventive measures to avert escalation. No injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted the volatile atmosphere surrounding high-profile political figures in Kerala, where social media has amplified calls for justice from civil society groups.
Also Read: TCS Secures Second-Highest H-1B Approvals After Amazon In 2025
BJP district leaders, undeterred, affirmed that the agitation would persist until Mamkootathil's resignation, accusing Congress of shielding him for electoral gains. Congress spokespersons swiftly clarified that the MLA had no plans to visit Palakkad on Saturday, aiming to defuse tensions. Meanwhile, CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan recently indicated that the Left Front would not hinder his return, reflecting a nuanced opposition stance amid Kerala's multi-party dynamics.
The episode, occurring just months before local body polls, risks further eroding public trust in elected representatives and could reshape alliances in this swing constituency.
Also Read: Rs 1.1 Crore Hashish Seized In Thane; Man Arrested
