New sexual harassment complaint filed against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil: Congress in tight spot with elections closing in

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sexual harassment complaint filed against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has further entangled the Congress. The new complaint comes as the court is currently considering the anticipatory bail plea in the harassment case against Mamkootathil.

Many senior Congress leaders are of the opinion that there should be no more soft approach towards Rahul. If strict action is not taken, the party will be further embarrassed in front of the people. There is also unrest among the constituent parties. The flimsy arguments that Rahul has resigned from the Youth Congress president's post and has been suspended from the parliamentary party are no longer strong enough. KPCC President Sunny Joseph's response that the next action against Rahul will be decided after a collective deliberation is an indication that strict action is needed.

The feeling among the people that the party is supporting Rahul excessively will become a setback in the elections. Moreover, the LDF, which has gained confidence to stand up after the Sabarimala gold scam controversy, will now set fire to the Rahul issue. Yesterday, MLA KK Rama, who is with the UDF, openly said that Rahul should resign from his MLA post in the assembly or be expelled from the party. Other parties may also take the same stand.

KPCC President Sunny Joseph had said until recently that he had not received a written complaint against Rahul. He reiterated yesterday that this was the first time he had received a complaint. However, there are indications that the woman who had filed a complaint against Rahul to the Chief Minister on November 28 had also emailed a copy of it to the KPCC President. If this is true, Sunny Joseph will also have to answer the question of why he hid the matter.