Congress suspends Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil over sexual misconduct row

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee has however maintained that there was no justification for demanding the resignation of Rahul from Palakkad MLA post.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPPC) suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the party in the wake of the series of allegations of misconduct towards women.

Even as many party leaders, including women, openly demanded Rahuls resignation from the Palakkad MLA post, Congress camps were learnt to be concerned whether the BJP may make gain in case of a by-poll. BJP finished second at Palakkad in the last three elections.

According to sources, KPCC decided to suspend him for six months. He may also be asked to keep off from Assembly sessions. Several women raised allegations ranging from seeking sexual favours to forcing to abort pregnancy against Rahul. Since no women gave formal complaints against him so far no police case was registered yet.

Sources said that even as the next Assembly polls in Kerala were due to happen within a year, the Election Commission could use its discretion in conducting a by-poll in case Rahul quits as an MLA. So far, Rahul has quit only from his position as Kerala Youth Congress chief.

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