Rahul may be expelled for six years; Crucial decision today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rahul Mamkootathil’s MLA position and party membership hang in the balance. VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K. Muraleedharan and Adoor Prakash are among those senior leaders of the party who demanded Rahul's resignation following the controversy over his escapades. Senior leaders A.K. Antony, V.M. Sudheeran, Mullappally Ramachandran, and K Sudhakaran also carry the same opinion.

However, Rahul is not ready to quit and wants the leadership to hear his side of the story. The Kerala leadership is letting AICC decide on the young MLA’s future. The high command has instructed KPCC president Sunny Joseph to consult with senior leaders and make a suitable decision.

Although the leadership intervened and stopped the press conference scheduled for Saturday, Rahul met the media at 2:30 pm on Sunday. Rahul tried to defend the allegations of the transgender woman, but the move faltered. Rahul immediately left for Thiruvananthapuram in the MLA's car. The fact that he had to return in just 30 minutes speaks volumes about what happened in the capital city. All doors are currently closed in front of the young leader.

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan responded to Kerala Kaumudi, saying that a unanimous decision will be made soon. Satheesan clarified that there will be action beyond resigning from the post of Youth Congress President. AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said that the issue was serious.

However, on late Sunday night, reports emerged that the leadership would consider handing over suspension to the leader rather than making him resign from the MLA post. A clear picture of the leader’s future will be available on Monday.

1. If the MLA resigns from his post, the matter will be closed without Congress having to share the brunt.

2. The party leadership can demand that Rahul resign. If he does not comply, the party can expel him for six years. Though Rahul can continue as an independent MLA.