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Congress Faces Backlash Over Editorial Defending Suspended MLA

Kerala Congress distances itself from an editorial defending suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil amid multiple sexual assault allegations.

November 30, 2025
in National

Congress Faces Backlash Over Editorial Defending Suspended MLA

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The Congress in Kerala moved swiftly on Saturday to contain political fallout after its mouthpiece Veekshanam published an editorial defending suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault. The piece sparked immediate controversy within the party and prompted senior leaders to distance themselves from its content.

The editorial, titled “Let those who have not committed any sin throw stones”, claimed that Mamkootathil was the latest target of a conspiracy orchestrated by the ruling CPI(M) to discredit rising young Congress leaders ahead of the upcoming local body elections. It accused the CPI(M) of a pattern of framing fabricated sexual assault cases during politically sensitive periods and referenced past incidents it described as “fake stories”.

The article argued that Mamkootathil’s rapid rise in the party, including his victory in the Palakkad bypoll last year against both the CPI(M) and BJP, triggered fear among political rivals. It alleged that the series of accusations were aimed at weakening the Congress’ young leadership bench.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph immediately rejected the editorial, asserting that it ran against the party’s position and principles. He said instructions had been issued to correct the article and clarified that Mamkootathil’s suspension had the unanimous approval of senior state leaders. Joseph noted that no Congress leader had opposed the disciplinary action.

In contrast, senior leader K Muraleedharan offered a different view, maintaining that the editorial reflected the Congress’ stance on politically motivated allegations. He insisted that the article did not seek to defend Mamkootathil but was highlighting what he called the CPI(M)’s hypocrisy. He pointed to the lack of action against a Left MLA facing similar harassment allegations. Muraleedharan said the suspended MLA would not be reinstated until he proved his innocence.

The BJP criticised the Congress for internal inconsistencies, with leader V Muraleedharan alleging that the episode reflected a deeper moral decline within the party. He said an MLA accused by multiple individuals had no ethical basis to continue in public office. He also suggested that the timing of the case was politically motivated, aimed at shifting attention from the Sabarimala debate ahead of the polls.

A criminal case was filed on Friday after a woman accused Mamkootathil of repeatedly sexually assaulting her and coercing her into terminating a pregnancy. She submitted a complaint to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, prompting police to register an FIR. A Special Investigation Team has been constituted, and a lookout circular issued to prevent the MLA, who is currently untraceable, from leaving the country. According to the FIR, the complainant alleges that she was assaulted on several occasions.

Mamkootathil, in an anticipatory bail plea filed the same day, denied all allegations and described them as politically driven. His petition will be heard on Monday.

The MLA has faced earlier complaints as well. He stepped down as Youth Congress state president earlier this year after an actress accused a young leader of misconduct, triggering protests from rival political organisations. Subsequently, several women and a transgender person came forward with additional allegations. Former KPCC chief K Sudhakaran said Mamkootathil’s conduct was unacceptable and that he had personally reprimanded him, but added that all facts must be verified before final judgment. He stressed that the party would provide no political protection.

Mamkootathil was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress on August 25 after multiple complaints surfaced. The ongoing investigation is expected to shape both legal and political developments in the coming weeks.