Saralnama
The Congress party has suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from its primary membership following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment, including accusations from women and transgender individuals. Despite the suspension, he will continue to serve as an MLA but will not be part of the Congress parliamentary party or sit with UDF members in the upcoming Assembly session. Mamkootathil had earlier resigned as the state Youth Congress president amid growing demands for his resignation from the MLA post by opposition parties and activists. The party leadership decided against accepting his resignation to avoid a bypoll in Palakkad. The allegations include evidence such as chat histories and voice messages. Congress leaders have assured a thorough investigation and stated that no leniency will be shown if the charges are found serious. Protests and calls for his resignation have been led by the BJP and CPI(M) youth wing in Kerala. The suspension is seen as a disciplinary measure while the party awaits the outcome of the inquiry. (Updated 25 Aug 2025, 11:58 IST; source: link)