No plans to quit as MLA: Rahul Mamkoottathil

Pathanamthitta: Amid sexual harassment allegations, Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil has declared that he has no plans to resign from his Assembly seat, Manorama News reported. His statement comes as protests demanding his resignation intensified across the state. The Congress leader is currently staying at his residence in Adoor, Pathanamthitta.

On Friday, SFI staged a protest march to the MLA's office in Palakkad demanding his resignation. Apart from CPM outfits, BJP is also protesting against the young Congress leader.

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said the party was examining the issue "very seriously" and would act if required.

"Within 24 hours of the allegation, Mamkootathil resigned from his post. There is a procedure, and the party will examine the matter thoroughly," Satheesan told reporters in Kochi.

It is rumoured that Rahul's misconduct row led to a rift within the party as the leaders voiced different opinions on the actions against the MLA. According to party sources, an internal inquiry is being carried out over the allegations.

While stepping down as Youth Congress state president earlier this week, Rahul reiterated his innocence, insisting he had done nothing illegal. He also challenged those behind the allegations to prove their claims.

“Congress leadership has not asked for my resignation. I decided to quit as Youth Congress president because I do not want my party workers to bear the brunt of these allegations,” he told the media on Thursday.

Rahul Mamkoottathil resigned as Youth Congress state president earlier this week after being accused of sending obscene messages to women. 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. Though she did not name Rahul, her statement triggered speculation.

Soon after, writer Honey Bhaskaran alleged that Rahul had initiated a conversation with her on Instagram and later made derogatory remarks about her to others. Screenshots of alleged chats between Rahul and several women also surfaced online, intensifying the row.