Mamkootathil said he resigned as it was not the Congress party’s responsibility to defend him against the allegations.
Published Aug 21, 2025 | 2:44 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 21, 2025 | 2:44 PM
Rahul Mamkootathil. (Facebook)
Synopsis: Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil announced his resignation as Kerala president of the Youth Congress. The development came after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. However, Mamkootathil denied the allegations.
Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on Thursday, 21 August, announced his resignation as Kerala president of the Youth Congress, insisting that the decision was entirely his own and not forced by the party.
The development came after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. However, Mamkootathil denied the allegations.
On Wednesday, actor Rini Ann George revealed that a prominent political leader had invited her to a five-star hotel and subjected her to obscene messages. Though she did not name anyone, discussions within Congress circles linked the allegations to Mamkootathil.
However, matters escalated after expatriate writer Honey Bhaskaran publicly accused him of similar misconduct, sparking widespread criticism across party groups and social media.
Mamkootathil said he resigned from the post since it was not the Congress party’s job to defend him.
“No one asked me to quit. I chose to step down because I believe it is not the party’s job to defend me. The Congress leadership and workers have bigger responsibilities ahead — from the upcoming local body and Assembly polls to taking on the CPI(M) government at the state level. Proving my innocence is my duty, not the party’s,” Mamkootathil told reporters.
Denying the allegations levelled against him, Mamkootathil maintained that he has done no wrong. “If the complainants approach the court, I will deal with it legally and establish the truth,” he added.
Referring to the complaint raised by Rini, Mamkootathil claimed that she was a close friend of his and insisted she had no intention of targeting him.
“Rini hasn’t mentioned anyone’s name. I don’t think she was pointing at me. No formal complaint has been filed against me — what we’ve seen so far are just allegations. If anyone truly has a grievance, they should pursue it through proper channels, and I will respond appropriately,” Rahul said.
On the allegations made by Honey, he downplayed the controversy.
“She shared only a part of a chat. Is talking to someone a crime? I haven’t said anything inappropriate. If she believes otherwise, she should file a formal complaint. If I’ve done anything wrong, I alone will bear the responsibility,” he added.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
