Kerala CM Demands Congress MLA’s Resignation
Pinarayi Vijayan slams Congress for shielding accused MLA.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan unleashed a scathing attack on the Congress party, demanding the resignation of suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who faces sexual harassment allegations. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan criticized the Congress and its Opposition Leader V D Satheesan for their “incorrect” stance in defending Mamkootathil, asserting that the MLA’s actions reflect “criminal tendencies” and tarnish the reputation of politics and public life.
The controversy erupted after Malayalam actress Rini Ann George accused a “young leader” of a prominent party of misbehavior, later identified as Mamkootathil, prompting protests from the BJP and the CPI(M)’s youth wing, DYFI. Subsequent allegations from several women and a transgender person, coupled with leaked audio clips of a purported conversation between Mamkootathil and a woman, led to his suspension from the Congress party’s primary membership. The MLA, who recently stepped down as Youth Congress state president, also faces an internal party probe.
Vijayan assured that the police would pursue all legal measures against Mamkootathil and guaranteed protection for complainants, urging them not to fear coming forward. He dismissed Satheesan’s cryptic warning of “shocking revelations” against the CPI(M), laughing it off with, “Let it come. I’m not responding now.” The Chief Minister highlighted public and internal Congress sentiment calling for Mamkootathil’s resignation, accusing Satheesan of shielding the MLA despite widespread criticism. “He got angry and stooped to a low level, which is not befitting the Opposition Leader,” Vijayan remarked.
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The scandal has intensified political tensions in Kerala, with the CPI(M) seizing the opportunity to corner the Congress as the latter grapples with internal dissent and public outrage over the allegations.
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