'Instead of preaching to us, CM should look in the mirror; two individuals facing sexual harassment charges remain in state cabinet'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader VD Satheesan has strongly countered Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s allegation that he was protecting Rahul Mamkootathil, the MLA facing sexual harassment charges. Addressing reporters, Satheesan said the Congress had already acted against Rahul on moral grounds and out of respect for women, even without a formal complaint or case. “We took the strongest action possible by removing him,” he said.

Turning the criticism back at the Chief Minister, Satheesan remarked, “The CM may point a finger at me, but the remaining four fingers point at him. He is the one shielding those accused in sexual assault cases.” He alleged that two individuals facing harassment charges remain in the state cabinet, and that a CPM leader who should have faced an inquiry was instead protected by the party.

"A senior-most leader in the party had filed a complaint against the CM's close aide. However, instead of handing over the complaint to the police, the party itself acted as the court and protected the accused. The senior-most leader was then sidelined by the Chief Minister for filing the complaint. An MLA in the Assembly is an accused in a rape case. The party has not taken any action against him so far. The CM is protecting all such people," Satheesan said.

Satheesan further noted that several CPM leaders had been accused in the past, yet none faced legal action. “Even WhatsApp messages of a former minister have been in circulation for years without consequence. All of this was managed from the CM’s office. Yet, he dares to lecture us,” Satheesan said.

The Opposition leader stressed that the Congress had shown accountability by acting against Rahul Mamkootathil despite the absence of a complaint or FIR. “No other political leader in India has shielded colleagues accused in sexual harassment cases the way this Chief Minister has. Instead of preaching to us, he should look in the mirror,” Satheesan added.