'Nobody is trying to bring Rahul back to Palakkad'; let him decide, says Shafi Parambil

PALAKKAD: Shafi Parambil MP has denied reports that a secret meeting was held to bring back MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing sexual allegations, to Palakkad. Media reports had claimed that the Congress A group was planning to make Rahul active in Palakkad constituency again. Shafi clarified that no such meeting has taken place.

The reports claimed that the meeting was held at the house of Congress leader C Chandran. However, Shafi pointed out that Chandran was not even in Palakkad at that time. “How can a meeting be held in the house of a leader who is out of station?” Nobody is trying to bring Rahul back to the constituency. It is up to Rahul himself to decide whether he wants to return to Palakkad or not. The Congress party has already taken its stance on the issue," Shafi said.

Rahul Mamkootathil is likely to face strong protests from the CPM and the BJP if he returns to Palakkad. Following the controversy, various organisations had demanded that he stay away from public functions. The Palakkad Municipality had also kept him out of an official event. On the question of whether Rahul would be given protection, DCC president A. Thankappan responded that Rahul was “not in the Congress” at the moment.

The allegations against Rahul include forcing a young woman to undergo an abortion. Following the allegations, he was forced to step down as the president of the Youth Congress. Though he later submitted an explanation to the party, he was suspended from the Congress for six months. The party made it clear that he could return only if his innocence was proven.