Rahul not to step down from MLA post; Congress suspends him from primary membership

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rahul Mamkootathil MLA facing allegations of sexual misconduct, has been suspended from the congress party. He has been suspended from his primary membership for six months. Rahul had resigned his state president’s post of the youth congress after allegations surfaced against him for forcing abortions and threatening women for not complying with them. The party suspended him today. Rahul will continue as an MLA.

It is assessed that Rahul continuing as MLA will be a setback for the party in the next assembly elections. Although there were rumors that he would resign, he is now confined to suspension. Rahul will not be fielded in the next assembly elections. It is reported that the party has asked him to take leave from the assembly. The KPCC will seek an explanation from Rahul, who has been suspended from primary membership. If the explanation is not satisfactory, the move is to expel him from the party.

Leaders like Uma Thomas, Shanimol Usman, K Muraleedharan, and Ramesh Chennithala had come forward demanding Rahul's resignation. After holding a press conference on Thursday denying the allegations levelled by actress Rini Ann George, the party went on the defensive as more women raised sexual allegations against Rahul.