Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has defended the party’s decision to suspend Rahul Mamkootathil, saying the disciplinary move was taken only after the party was convinced that the information gathered about the MLA’s alleged misconduct towards women was credible.

Chennithala, a Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, said the leadership reached consensus after reviewing the matter and held that the action was necessary to protect women’s dignity. “I don’t know whether these allegations are correct or not, but the gathered information said this is correct. That is why we all advocated for strong action,” Chennithala told PTI from abroad in a telephonic interview.

Mamkootathil, elected MLA from Palakkad in November last year, was suspended on Monday from the party’s primary membership after multiple women, including a Malayalam actress and a transgender person, accused him of inappropriate behavior. The party’s Kerala unit president Sunny Joseph announced the disciplinary step, describing it as a matter of probity and responsibility in public life.

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Chennithala noted that the Congress has taken an “idealistic position” that separates it from rival parties. “The party doesn’t approve of this kind of activity. If he is innocent, he should prove it. Then we can reconsider the decision,” he said.

The senior leader also questioned whether CPI(M) and BJP would ever take similar action against their leaders facing misconduct allegations. “I am asking the Chief Minister whether they will take action against those who are chargesheeted and still sitting in the Assembly. I don’t think they will,” Chennithala remarked, also recalling how former BJP MP Brij Bhushan continues in the party despite serious accusations.

Mamkootathil had earlier resigned as Youth Congress state president following initial allegations made by actress Rini Ann George, which led to protests by the BJP and DYFI. Since then, more complaints surfaced, culminating in Monday’s suspension.

Joseph, while announcing the action, said the MLA had “set a model” by stepping down even before a formal complaint or FIR was lodged, though he rejected demands for his resignation as legislator.

The development marks a rare instance of a major political party in Kerala acting swiftly on allegations of misconduct without waiting for a legal process, which Chennithala called “a bold and exemplary decision.”

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