Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has resigned as president of the Kerala Youth Congress following accusations of inappropriate behavior, a development that has triggered political ripples ahead of local body and assembly elections.
Rahul, who won the Palakkad Assembly bypoll last November, told reporters that he does not believe the allegations made by actor Rini Ann George were directed at him, but said he stepped down to avoid forcing party leaders to defend him. He denied all accusations and claimed he has done no wrong. The Congress high command is learned to have taken a serious view of the matter and instructed him to vacate the Youth Congress post.
The controversy escalated after Rini Ann George told the media on Wednesday that a “young leader” had sent her offensive messages, adding that several others had similar experiences. Although she did not name anyone, her hints—referring to a recently elected public representative who often said “who cares”—were widely interpreted as pointing to Rahul. On Thursday, NRI writer Honey Bhaskar also alleged on social media that she and many other women, including Congress workers, faced troubling behavior from Rahul. An audio clip purportedly featuring a conversation between Rahul and a woman allegedly impregnated by him has also surfaced online.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan said firm action would be taken against anyone found involved in such misconduct. He described Rini as “like a daughter” and noted that she had informed him about inappropriate messages from a party leader.
The CPI(M) and BJP have launched protests demanding that Rahul give up his MLA seat as well. For the Congress, the episode is a major embarrassment with elections approaching, though party leaders point out that no formal complaints have been filed by any woman against Rahul so far.
Political rivals have their own vulnerabilities: CPI(M) MLA and actor M. Mukesh faced a sexual assault case last year, and the party rejected calls for his resignation at the time.
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