Thiruvananthapuram: Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil resigned as Kerala Youth Congress president on Thursday following harassment allegations levelled by Malayalam actress Rini Ann George.
Rini alleged that a politician had repeatedly sent her inappropriate messages and invited her to his hotel room. While she did not name Mamkootathil directly, the BJP claimed the actress was referring to the Congress legislator.
In his resignation statement, Mamkootathil denied wrongdoing but said party workers should not be burdened with defending him. Referring to George as a “friend”, he maintained that no formal complaints had been lodged against him. “Has any legal complaint been lodged against me? The woman who made the statement hasn't identified me by name. She's my friend. Are there any complaints against me at police stations across the state? Party workers shouldn't have to stand up for me. This is why I'm stepping down as state youth congress president. The party hasn't requested my resignation,” he said, adding he would consider legal action if a formal complaint was filed.
Following Rini’s allegations, writer Honey Bhaskaran also accused Mamkootathil of contacting her through social media messages.
The BJP staged a protest march to Mamkootathil’s office in Palakkad, demanding his resignation.
Congress Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan said the party would investigate the matter thoroughly. “The party will examine these accusations and assess their seriousness. If they prove to be grave, we will take appropriate action. There's a process - he'll have the chance to present his defense. Only then will we decide. We'll make a prompt decision without delay. Currently, no formal complaints have been brought to the party. If allegations are made, we will investigate seriously and take proper action without showing any leniency,” he stated.