Congress acted on verified information in Rahul Mamkootathil case: Chennithala
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Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday said that the suspension of MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the party’s primary membership was based on credible information that confirmed allegations of misconduct towards women.
Speaking to PTI over the phone from abroad, Chennithala described the party’s action as a “bold and idealistic” step to protect women’s dignity and uphold probity in public life. “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,” he said.
The Palakkad MLA was suspended a day earlier after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Chennithala said the decision was taken collectively after consultations with the party high command. “If he is innocent, he should prove it. Then we can reconsider the decision which is taken. It is up to him,” he added.
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) member clarified that no FIR, petition, or chargesheet exists against Mamkootathil, but the party could not ignore the revelations that came into the public domain. “Then we thought that it is better to uphold the dignity of women and probity in public life. This is a bold decision we have taken. The party doesn’t approve of this kind of activity,” he said.
Chennithala also challenged rival parties to show the same resolve. Referring to CPI(M) and BJP leaders facing allegations, he said, “I am asking the Chief Minister whether they will take action against the people who are chargesheeted and sitting in the Assembly. I don’t think they will do that.” On the BJP, he remarked, “Referring to the sexual misconduct allegations levelled against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan, Chennithala said he is still in the saffron party.”
KPCC president Sunny Joseph announced the disciplinary action on Monday in Kannur but rejected demands from political opponents for Mamkootathil’s resignation as MLA. Joseph praised the legislator for stepping down earlier as Youth Congress state president without waiting for a formal case or complaint.
Mamkootathil resigned from his Youth Congress post after actress Rini Ann George accused “a young leader” from a major political party of misbehaviour, sparking protests from both the BJP and DYFI, CPI(M)’s youth wing. Following that, several women and a transgender person also raised similar allegations.
Elected as Palakkad MLA in a by-election last November, Mamkootathil succeeded Shafi Parambil, who won a Lok Sabha seat from Vadakara in the general elections.