The Congress leadership in Kerala is taking a cautious stance on the sexual assault case against suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, deciding against immediate expulsion while awaiting clearer progress in the investigation and trial.
Senior leaders indicated that the party bears no institutional responsibility for the allegations and that Mamkootathil must defend himself independently through the legal system. Although a section of the organisation has demanded tougher disciplinary measures, including ouster from the party, the dominant view at a recent internal consultation was that any further action should be deferred until the legal process advances.
The party maintains that it acted swiftly by suspending the MLA in August when the allegations first emerged. Leaders believe that an early expulsion — before the investigative trajectory becomes clearer — could backfire politically, given the legal sensitivities and the proximity to key electoral battles.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has been apprised of the timeline of the complaint and has left subsequent decisions to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). Kerala in-charge Deepa Das Munshi is also understood to have updated the national leadership, which is monitoring both the courtroom developments and the political implications.
Within the state unit, there is growing discussion about the timing of the complaint, which surfaced in the heat of the local body election campaign.
Several Congress leaders view this as possibly orchestrated for political effect, alleging that the ruling CPI(M) may be attempting to divert attention from the intensifying gold heist controversy involving its own members. They argue that the complainant approaching the Chief Minister’s Office directly strengthens their suspicion of political calculation.
Despite distancing itself from the allegations, the Congress acknowledges that a sitting MLA facing serious charges could affect voter sentiment. Party leaders say they will continue to track police findings, court hearings, and public mood before deciding on the next steps.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leaders and affiliated organisations have demanded Mamkootathil’s resignation.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said the Congress had long questioned the complainant’s absence, adding that now that she has come forward, the MLA should step down if the party leadership fails to act.
The investigation is ongoing, with the victim giving her statement before a magistrate. Mamkootathil’s counsel has maintained that “nothing has emerged so far” and that it is for the police to proceed further.
Protests led by the CPI(M)’s youth wing have intensified across the state. Police have also placed barricades around the MLA’s family home in Adoor amid reports of a planned march to the residence.