Published May 18, 2026 | 3:51 PM ⚊ Updated May 18, 2026 | 3:51 PM
Rahul Mamkootathil
Synopsis: A section of Congress leaders are uncomfortable with Rahul Mamkootathil, facing charges of sexual misconduct, attending party events. Mamkootathil was present at the swearing-in ceremony of the VD Satheesan government.
The swearing-in ceremony of the 20member UDF Cabinet, led by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, was meant to mark the Congress-led alliance’s return to power in Kerala after a decade.
At the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, 18 May, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to the new Chief Minister and the ministers.
However, even before the celebrations settled, the first controversy surrounding the new government emerged from within Congress circles, following the presence of suspended former Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil at the swearing-in ceremony.
Mamkootathil arrived at the venue early in the morning and interacted with the media despite being expelled from the party following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and rape against him.
Though officially out of the party structure, his continued presence in Congress events has once again triggered criticism against the leadership. Speaking to the media, Mamkootathil maintained that he had never acted against the party leadership and would continue to remain loyal to Congress.
”I have never defied the leadership or the party. I have always worked in complete obedience to party decisions and never attempted to violate them” Rahul said. He also said the investigation against him should continue without interference.
”If there is anything against me, let the truth come out. I will remain a Congress worker until my last breath” he added.
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Mamkootathil’s appearance at the swearing-in ceremony did not go down well with a section of Congress and Youth Congress leaders, many of whom privately expressed discomfort over the controversy returning on the very first day of the new government.
Speaking to South First, a Youth Congress leader said Mamkootathil’s presence alone was enough to create unnecessary headlines.
”His presence will make controversies on the very first day itself and he knows that. We all came here because we officially received invitations. I am not sure whether he came here as an invited guest or as a member of the public.” the leader said.
Though no longer officially associated with Congress, Mamkootathil remained highly active on social media throughout the election campaign. He released several campaign videos supporting UDF candidates and strongly criticised the former LDF government during the elections.
Mamkootathil was earlier considered one of the closest loyalists of Satheesan during his tenure as Youth Congress state president. Congress sources said Mamkootathil’s candidature in Palakkad became possible largely due to Satheesan’s backing, despite the Mamkootathil being originally from the Pathanamthitta district.
He registered a sound win in Palakkad. But before completing even a year as MLA, multiple allegations of rape and sexual misconduct surfaced against him, leading to his suspension from the party’s primary membership in August last.
At a time when the UDF was preparing for elections, Satheesan eventually adopted a strict position and distanced the party from Mamkootathil, even as some senior Congress leaders maintained a softer stand.
Interestingly, newly sworn-in minister OJ Janeesh later took charge as Youth Congress chief after Mamkootathil’s exit from the organisation. Congress insiders openly admitted that Mamkootathil would have become a minister if the controversy had not erupted.
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Rahul Mamkootathil with newly elected IUML MLAs PK Firoz and Fathima Thahiliya
The controversy surrounding Mamkootathil intensified a day before the swearing-in ceremony after newly elected IUML MLAs, PK Firoz and Fathima Thahiliya, shared selfies with him outside the Vanchiyoor court in Thiruvananthapuram.
The leaders had appeared before the court in connection with cases linked to protests against the previous LDF government. While Firoz retained the photographs on social media, Fathima later deleted the post after backlash intensified online.
Social media criticism erupted against Congress and IUML leaders for publicly posing alongside Mamkootathil, who continues to face serious allegations. Mamkootathil later shared a reel featuring the interaction and wrote that it was the first time he was meeting Firoz after becoming an MLA.
Meanwhile, SFI workers staged protests after Mamkootathil reached the MLA Hostel in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Protesters attempted to block him, forcing police personnel to intervene and control the situation.
Yet, despite the suspension and distancing measures, Mamkootathil’s continued presence around UDF leaders and political events continues to haunt the Congress.
Ironically, even before fully settling into office, the first political challenge before the new UDF government appears to be one of its own former star — Rahul Mamkootathil.
