Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly remarked that the allegations surrounding Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil had escalated beyond a political controversy and reached a grave criminal dimension. According to him, society itself has voiced a clear stand that a person facing such accusations should not be allowed to remain in office. While responding to questions on the issue, Vijayan expressed doubt about how long Mamkootathil could continue holding his position, especially since multiple individuals had already raised concerns against him, making the matter all the more serious.
Vijayan also referred to certain reported conversations that had surfaced in connection with the controversy. He pointed out that in one such conversation, abortion was mentioned, and a chilling statement was made suggesting that if the abortion was not carried out, it would not take long to kill the individual concerned. Highlighting the severity of such comments, the Chief Minister stressed that this incident must be understood in its criminal context. He further added that the state had never witnessed a situation of this magnitude, which had spiraled into such disturbing levels.
The scandal surrounding Mamkootathil intensified after he resigned from his organisational post last week following multiple allegations of sexual harassment. Actor Rini Ann George indirectly accused him of inappropriate conduct, while writer Honey Bhaskaran directly alleged that he had sent her obscene messages. Adding to this, a transgender woman named Avanthika came forward claiming that Mamkootathil expressed disturbing rape fantasies and even invited her to Bengaluru or Hyderabad. These revelations deepened the seriousness of the case and fueled widespread outrage.
In response, the Congress party suspended Rahul Mamkootathil from its primary membership, with KPCC leaders justifying the move as a strong message that the party prioritises the dignity and safety of women. However, despite this disciplinary action, opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), have intensified their protests, targeting the Congress for shielding Mamkootathil. They are now demanding not only his suspension from the party but also his immediate resignation from the MLA post, arguing that holding on to such a position is unacceptable in the wake of the allegations.
