Rahul Mamkoottathil must step down as MLA: Ramesh Chennithala

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major setback for Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has openly demanded his resignation. The former minister’s statement comes amid mounting protests against the legislator over sexual harassment allegations. According to Manorama News, Chennithala conveyed his stance to Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Adv. Sunny Joseph.

“Rahul should not continue as MLA for even a minute. Allowing him to remain in the post will harm the party,” Chennithala said.

It is learnt that the KPCC leadership has begun consulting senior leaders on the question of Rahul’s resignation.

Former MP K Muraleedharan also asserted that the party must not protect a leader facing such serious allegations. Referring to the leaked phone conversation allegedly showing Rahul attempting to force a woman to undergo an abortion, Muraleedharan said the matter could not be ignored.

Meanwhile, he added that the voice clip should be examined scientifically to confirm whether it is authentic or not. 

On Saturday, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan too hinted that Rahul would face strong disciplinary action. 

“Congress will take proper action without compromise, and our stance will set a model,” he said.

The opposition leader is expected to meet the media on Sunday. 

It is rumoured that Rahul lost support from the party leadership. Only MP Shafi Parambil and his loyalists are backing him now, say sources close to the party.

Rahul landed in controversy after Malayalam actor Rini Ann George alleged that a young politician had sent her obscene messages. Though she did not name him, her revelation triggered the storm around the MLA.

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.

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

Mamkoottathil, a native of Adoor in Pathanamthitta, was elected to the Assembly in the by-election held in Palakkad constituency in November 2024. The Congress candidate won the polls with a margin of 18,840 votes. If he resigns from the MLA post, Palakkad will face another election within nine months. Hence, all eyes are now on the Congress’ crucial decision regarding action against the legislator.