Senior Congress leaders in Kerala have strongly supported the expulsion of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil from the party and called on him to step down from his Assembly seat as well. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) confirmed that the disciplinary action was approved by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the delay in action was due to internal procedures but maintained that the decision was unanimous among party leaders.
“Since he is no longer in the party, it is appropriate that he resigns as MLA. A united decision was taken after consulting everyone,” he said.
No Impact on Local Body Elections, Says KPCC
Joseph dismissed speculation that the controversy may affect the upcoming local body elections, stating that swift punitive action would prevent political fallout.
Rahul Mamkoottathil had earlier been removed as Youth Congress president and suspended following allegations that triggered public outrage.
UDF, Congress Leaders Demand MLA Resignation
UDF convenor Adoor Prakash said the expulsion had full support from all Congress leaders:
“He was elected on the Congress symbol. There is no justification for him continuing as MLA.”
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan alleged that the Chief Minister’s Office was aware of the impending complaint but failed to prevent the accused from escaping.
He said:
“Congress took a model decision. CPI(M) must clarify whether allegations against their own leaders will be forwarded to the police.”
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal described the move as the strongest and fastest disciplinary action taken by any political party in similar circumstances.
Congress Reiterates Zero Tolerance
Several other leaders, including Jebi Mather, Ramesh Chennithala, Shanimol Usman, and K Muraleedharan, praised the quick decision, calling it a message of accountability and commitment to women’s safety.
Muraleedharan said Mamkoottathil should resign immediately if he values ethics, and urged the Speaker to take appropriate action.
The party maintained that RahuI Mamkoottathil’s conduct was unacceptable and that the expulsion reinforces the Congress’s stand in favour of integrity and discipline.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
