The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, Sunny Joseph, has declared that any further disciplinary or political action against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil will require explicit permission from the party's high command. This significant statement comes at a critical juncture, as a court in Kerala is poised to deliver a likely verdict on the legislator's anticipatory bail plea.
MLA Absconding as Legal Battle Intensifies
The controversy stems from a case registered by the police against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The police action followed after a complainant submitted a petition directly to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Since the case was filed, the Palakkad MLA has been absconding, evading law enforcement authorities.
The court's decision on his anticipatory bail application, which is expected soon, will be a major turning point in this unfolding political and legal drama. Mamkootathil's absence from public view has fueled speculation and drawn significant media attention to the internal dynamics of the Congress party in Kerala.
High Command's Authority Invoked
In his response to queries regarding the situation, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph made it clear that the state unit's hands are tied. He emphasized that the authority to decide on any consequential steps against the sitting MLA rests solely with the party's top leadership in New Delhi.
This move is seen as an effort to manage the situation carefully, balancing legal imperatives with political ramifications. By invoking the high command's authority, the state leadership has effectively placed the onus of deciding the MLA's political future on the central leadership, thereby navigating a sensitive intra-party matter.
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
The case has put the Congress party in a delicate position. On one hand, it must address the serious allegations faced by its elected representative. On the other, it must manage the potential fallout within its political base in Palakkad and across the state.
The upcoming court verdict, dated around December 4, 2025, will likely force the party's hand. If the bail is denied, the pressure on the MLA to surrender will intensify, and the party will face immediate questions about his status. If granted bail, the party will still have to contend with the political damage from the controversy.
Sunny Joseph's statement sets a clear precedent: the final call, whether it involves suspension, disciplinary proceedings, or continued support, will not be made in Thiruvananthapuram but in Delhi. This highlights the centralized decision-making process within the party during crises involving its legislators.
