Crisis in party; Planning to expel Rahul Mamkootathil? Crucial day today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress party is in a crisis after another sexual harassment complaint has been filed against Rahul Mamkootathil MLA. He is likely to be expelled from the party. Rahul's bail plea is to be considered by the Thiruvananthapuram district sessions court today, and the leaders are likely to take a decision in this regard.

Rahul is presently under suspension. In the present situation, the leaders assess that it will be politically beneficial if he is expelled from the party. The police have intensified search for Rahul inside and outside the state.

Many senior Congress leaders are of the opinion that a soft approach will not be taken in Rahul's case anymore. If strict action is not taken, it will be an embarrassment for the party. The constituent parties are also displeased. The flimsy excuses like making him resign his Youth Congress presidential post and being suspended from the parliamentary party are no longer valid. KPCC President Sunny Joseph's response is that the next action against Rahul will be decided after a collective discussion.

This hints that strict action is needed. Leaders also suspect the feeling that Rahul is being supported will be a setback in the elections. Sunny Joseph had said until the other day that a written complaint has not been received against Rahul. He reiterated yesterday that this is the first time he is receiving a complaint.