In a significant political development in Kerala, the sexual assault case against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil has triggered strong reactions from both the BJP and CPI(M), with questions being raised about the delay in filing the complaint and demands for the legislator's immediate resignation.
BJP Leader Questions Complaint Delay
BJP leader R Sreelekha on Friday expressed serious concerns about the timing of the sexual harassment complaint filed against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil. The former Director General of Police, who is currently contesting local body elections in Thiruvananthapuram on a BJP ticket, took to Facebook to voice her opinions while reaffirming her support for the survivor.
"The only regret is why she could not file a complaint until now. Why was a case not registered all this time?" Sreelekha wrote in her social media post. She further questioned why the complainant had to approach the Chief Minister directly instead of following standard legal procedures.
In her post, Sreelekha raised critical questions about the possible motives behind the delayed complaint. "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 the Sabarimala gold theft from being arrested?" she asked pointedly.
Political Reactions Intensify
Later, while speaking to reporters, Sreelekha clarified that her primary concern was about the delay in registering the case. "The allegations were raised several months back. Police should have taken action then," she stated emphatically.
The political storm intensified as both the LDF and BJP continued to allege that the Congress and UDF had been protecting Mamkoottathil. Education Minister V Sivankutty launched a strong attack on the Congress party, stating that leaders like Shafi Parambil and former KPCC president K Sudhakaran had publicly supported the accused MLA without hesitation.
"It was like challenging the people of Kerala and women here," Sivankutty remarked. He assured that the government would proceed legally and no compromise would be made in the case. The Education Minister also indicated that the morality of Congress would become a significant issue in the upcoming local body elections.
Growing Demands for Resignation
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan joined the chorus demanding Mamkootthail's resignation, stating that the MLA no longer deserved to continue in his position. "The Congress must demand his resignation. There will be a thorough probe," Govindan asserted, indicating the Left Front's firm stance on the matter.
Former BJP state president K Surendran expressed skepticism about Mamkoottathil reportedly absconding. "He might have received help to go into hiding. It cannot be considered a normal case," Surendran alleged. He further claimed that the Kerala Police possessed details about other women who were allegedly targeted by Mamkoottathil but were not taking appropriate action.
BJP leader C Krishnakumar announced that the party would launch strong protests until Mamkoottathil resigns and is arrested. He pointed out that after the complaint was formally filed, the MLA had fled, whereas earlier when allegations were initially raised, he had simply stayed away instead of addressing them.
The case has taken center stage in Kerala politics, with all major political parties positioning themselves on the issue ahead of the local body elections, while women's safety and political morality have emerged as key discussion points.
