Suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Appears in Kerala Assembly

Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, recently suspended from the Congress party due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, attended the Kerala Assembly session on Monday. His presence has sparked internal debate among Congress leaders regarding the implications of his attendance, particularly as it provides an opportunity for members of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front to critique the opposition United Democratic Front.

In light of his suspension, Mamkootathil was assigned a separate seating area behind the opposition bloc. Interaction with fellow MLAs was limited, with only a few approaching him throughout the day. When questioned by reporters, he stated his commitment to adhering to party decisions, while refraining from commenting on the ongoing allegations, which he noted are still under investigation.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan, who reportedly disapproved of Mamkootathil’s assembly attendance, chose not to elaborate on the matter during the session. Satheesan faced backlash from pro-Congress social media groups for his stance, indicating the contentious nature of the situation within party ranks.

The assembly session primarily focused on paying tribute to late political figures, including former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, former Speaker P P Thankachan, and Peerumedu MLA Vazhoor Soman, all of whom passed away recently.

Mamkootathil’s appearance marks a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse surrounding allegations of misconduct, raising questions about party accountability and the dynamics within the Kerala Assembly. His case continues to unfold amid a backdrop of scrutiny and debate within the Congress party and beyond.