Rahul case: Congress to move cautiously, will not demand Rahul's resignation as MLA

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress leadership has decided not to interfere in the case against Rahul Mamkootathil and has instructed party workers to remain cautious during election activities. The party believes there is no need for any hasty decisions at this stage and has agreed to move forward carefully. The leadership has also decided not to demand Rahul’s resignation as MLA for now.

Congress leaders feel that every step should be taken with care, as they believe there is a political strategy behind the swift registration of the sexual harassment case and the sudden speed of the investigation. The party suspects political pressure behind the complainant visiting the Chief Minister’s Office in person to submit her complaint. KPCC president Sunny Joseph, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, and other senior leaders expressed similar views. The UDF as a whole also shares the same stance.

Rahul had already resigned from the post of Youth Congress state president and was suspended from the parliamentary party soon after the allegations surfaced. The next severe action would be expulsion from the party, which can happen only if he is proven guilty. Rahul has stated that he will prove his innocence.

Congress to explain its view to the public

The party is also examining the timing of the complaint—three months after the allegation first came up. Congress suspects that this may be an attempt to counter the damage faced by the ruling party due to recent developments in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, where former Devaswom Board president Padmakumar appeared for questioning. The next key person expected to face questioning is former minister Kadakampally Surendran. Congress believes the government might be trying to shift focus before the elections. The party also questions what action CPM took against Padmakumar. Congress plans to explain these issues to the public.

“Rahul acted overenthusiastically”

A section of Congress leaders has also criticised Rahul’s recent actions. Even after being instructed not to attend party events, he went to Palakkad for election campaigning. Leaders allege that this unnecessary enthusiasm provoked tensions at a time when DYFI and BJP protests had eased.