Senior BJP leaders have launched a scathing attack on the Kerala government for what they call deliberate delays in taking action against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who faces serious rape charges. The political storm intensified on Friday as multiple BJP functionaries demanded immediate arrest and investigation.
BJP State President Accuses Government of Deliberate Inaction
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, speaking to media in Kochi, expressed frustration over the delayed filing of charges against the MLA. "Mamkootathil should have been charged under the relevant sections long before," Chandrasekhar stated during the Vikasit Bharat meet organized by the party's district unit.
The BJP leader credited media exposure and the victim's courage for finally forcing action. "It is thanks to the media and the victim for speaking out, leading to action being taken against him," he acknowledged while maintaining that suo motu action should have been initiated much earlier by the government.
Political Allegations and Conspiracy Theories
Chandrasekhar didn't mince words when alleging political motives behind the delayed action. He claimed the present Kerala government was seeking an understanding with Congress to defeat BJP and NDA, which explained the protective approach toward Mamkootathil.
"We have been asking for charges to be filed against him for about a month," Chandrasekhar revealed, adding that no substantial action followed due to what he called "adjustment between Congress and CPM."
The BJP leader also pointed fingers at delayed action against INTUC leader R Chandrasekharan, suggesting a pattern of protecting allies.
Women Leaders Question Delay and Support Survivor
BJP functionary R Sreelekha, who is contesting local body elections in Thiruvananthapuram, took to Facebook to question the unusual delay in filing the sexual harassment complaint. "The only regret is why she couldn't file a complaint until now. Why was a case not registered all this time?" Sreelekha wrote in her post.
She raised serious concerns about the complainant having to approach the Chief Minister directly, suggesting this might have given the accused valuable time. "Was it to give the accused time to switch off his phone and go into hiding or secure anticipatory bail? Or to prevent more influential people involved in Sabarimala gold theft from being arrested?" she questioned.
Sreelekha expressed hope that other young women allegedly harassed by Mamkootathil would also come forward with complaints soon.
Former BJP Chief Alleges Shocking Revelations
Adding to the chorus of criticism, former BJP state president K Surendran described the police investigation as "ineffective and slow" despite what he called shocking charges emerging in the case.
Surendran made particularly disturbing allegations, claiming that police must seriously investigate reports that survivors in cases related to Mamkootathil were swapped among different people. He described this as a grave and disturbing incident unheard of in Kerala's history if proven true.
The former BJP president didn't stop there, alleging that "a gang of underworld goons has wrested a grip over Congress and Mamkootathil is the leading figure in that gang."
Surendran also recalled Mamkootathil's previous legal troubles, mentioning charges of forging identity cards during Youth Congress elections. "LDF govt helped him then and we fear that he would get similar assistance in this case also," he expressed concern.
BJP Plans Protests Until Action Taken
BJP leader C Krishnakumar made the party's position clear, announcing that the party would launch strong protests until Mamkootathil resigned and was arrested.
"After the complaint was filed, the MLA fled. Earlier, when allegations were raised, he stayed away instead of answering them," Krishnakumar pointed out, highlighting what the BJP sees as evasion of accountability.
The unified BJP stance indicates the party plans to keep political pressure on the Kerala government, making the Mamkootathil case a central issue in their opposition strategy.
