The matter has triggered widespread political reactions, with Congress leadership promising swift and serious action if the allegations are proven credible. Earlier on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala and senior Congress leader VD Satheesan addressed the issue, stating that the party would thoroughly examine the matter and proceed
Rahul Mamkootathil. PIC/X
Kerala Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rahul Mamkootathil has resigned from his post as the State President of the Youth Congress after facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model-actress Rini Ann George, ANI reported.
The matter has triggered widespread political reactions, with Congress leadership promising swift and serious action if the allegations are proven credible.
Earlier on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala and senior Congress leader VD Satheesan addressed the issue, stating that the party would thoroughly examine the matter and proceed accordingly.
"The Party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision. We will make a decision immediately, there won't be any delay. There are no complaints before the party. If someone is making any allegation, we will look into it. We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy," he said.
Mahila Congress leader Bindu Krishna also commented on the issue, expressing concern while reiterating the party's commitment to women's safety.
She said, "Mahila Congress has conveyed its stance to the party. It is for the party to respond, and the party will take an appropriate decision. I have not received any complaint against Rahul Mamkootathil earlier. No girl should ever face such an experience. No girl should have to suffer unpleasant experiences in cyberspace either."
Bhaskaran had taken to Facebook to allege that Mamkootathil had messaged her on social media, ANI reported. Initially, the messages were related to travel, to which she responded. However, she claimed that the frequency and tone of the messages turned inappropriate. Upon realising he wouldn’t stop, she stopped responding. She further alleged that Youth Congress members informed her later that Mamkootathil had falsely claimed she initiated the conversation.
Shortly before Bhaskaran’s revelations, George also levelled allegations against the MLA, stating that he had sent her objectionable messages repeatedly and invited her to a hotel. She said that when she warned him about reporting the matter to the party, he challenged her to go ahead.
At that time, she did not name the MLA or his party, reported ANI.
George further claimed that she had alerted the party leadership and alleged that the wives and daughters of many politicians had also had similar experiences with the same leader.
"I want to ask which woman these politicians who were unable to protect the women in their family will protect?" questioned George.
She also accused the party of continuing to give opportunities to the leader despite knowing of the complaint and said her decision to come forward was motivated by the silence of many other women who faced similar incidents.
"I decided to speak as I saw recently on social media that many women have faced similar issues. None of these women are speaking a word about it. So I thought of speaking for all," she added.
As of now, George has not filed any official complaint in the matter.
Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a protest march to the office of Mamkootathil, who represents the Palakkad Constituency, demanding his resignation in light of the allegations.
(With ANI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
