Thiruvananthapuram, August 25, 2025 – The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the party’s primary membership following allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour towards women.
The former Youth Congress state president stepped down from his post after multiple accusations, including statements from actress Rini Ann George and transwoman Avanthika, who shared accounts of harassment. Several complaints had also reached the party’s national leadership.
Suspension and Legislative Status
With the suspension, Rahul Mamkootathil will sit as an independent MLA in the upcoming legislative assembly session starting September 15, 2025. It is possible that he may take leave and skip the session entirely.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph confirmed that the suspension does not require Rahul to resign from his MLA post, as no official complaints or legal cases have been registered against him. The duration of the suspension has not been specified.
Sunny Joseph said the decision was taken after consultations with the UDF convenor and senior party leaders. He emphasized that the move reflects the Congress party’s commitment to protecting the dignity and safety of women. Rahul has been informed and will no longer serve as a Congress legislative member.
Political Reactions
Senior Congress leader and former KPCC president K. Muraleedharan stated that it is now up to Mamkootathil to decide whether he should continue as Congress MLA from Palakkad Assembly constituency.
Meanwhile, Left Democratic Front (LDF) convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan said Rahul’s resignation as MLA is inevitable. He criticized Mamkootathil for stepping down as State Youth Congress president without challenging the allegations legally or publicly, calling it an admission of guilt. The LDF intends to continue pressing for his resignation.
Rahul Mamkootathil’s Political Career
Rahul began his political journey as Youth Congress Periyanad Mandalam president and held multiple positions in KSU, including:
- Pathanamthitta district president (2017)
- State general secretary
- NSU national secretary
- Youth Congress state general secretary
He became the State Youth Congress president before winning the Palakkad by-election, entering the Kerala Legislative Assembly.