Senior Congress leaders in Kerala have expressed sharply differing opinions regarding the sexual assault case registered against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, revealing internal divisions within the party. The case has sparked a political controversy in the state with leaders offering contrasting perspectives on the allegations and the party's response.
Contrasting Stances Within Congress
Senior Congress leader M M Hassan stated that police should take appropriate legal action in the matter and emphasized that the party would not object to any investigation or legal proceedings. He confirmed that the party had already taken disciplinary action against Mamkootathil and assured that neither the party nor the accused MLA would interfere with the legal process.
Hassan raised questions about the timing of the complaint, pointing out the three-month delay in filing the case. He suggested the survivor might have faced external pressure and described the manner in which the complaint was filed as unusual. The senior leader alleged there was planning behind the complaint, calling it an election-time strategy intended to create political impact.
Allegations of Political Conspiracy
Congress MP Adoor Prakash presented a different viewpoint, alleging that the case was part of a CPM strategy to divert attention from the ongoing gold smuggling case. He claimed that similar politically motivated cases had surfaced during his election campaigns in Konni and Attingal, describing them as false allegations manufactured for political purposes.
Prakash termed these cases as baseless and stated that his remarks were based on personal experience, accusing CPM of consistently finding victims to exploit for political gains. He maintained that while the investigation should continue, creating smokescreens to advance politically was unacceptable. The MP further alleged that CPM was acting out of vengeance related to Sabarimala issues and attempts to expose corruption in the matter.
Suspension and Political Future
In a strong reaction, Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan stated that Mamkootathil was suspended because there was substance in the allegations. He criticized the MLA for inviting trouble upon himself and continuing to challenge the party, the survivor, and the media even after being removed from the parliamentary party.
Unnithan made serious allegations that Mamkootathil had used a PR agency to target Congress leaders and justified the party's decision to distance itself from the embattled MLA. He asserted that Mamkootathil had brought the survivor into public attention himself and that the legal process should take its natural course.
The MP concluded that Mamkootathil had destroyed his promising political career through his own actions and now had no pathway back into politics. He firmly supported the party's decision to suspend the MLA, calling it the right move under the circumstances.
Investigation and Political Implications
M M Hassan revealed that Mamkootathil remains confident about proving his innocence in the case. He questioned why the complaint wasn't submitted at a police station or sent directly to the chief minister, instead being submitted at the chief minister's office, suggesting this indicated ulterior motives.
Hassan defended the party's action stating that suspension itself constituted harsh punishment, and the party would not hesitate to expel Mamkootathil completely if the charges were proven. He contrasted Congress's approach with that of CPM, accusing the rival party of supporting even their jailed members while specifically targeting Congress leaders.
The case continues to develop as police investigate the allegations, while the political ramifications keep unfolding within Kerala's political landscape, particularly affecting the Congress party's internal dynamics and public image.
