Thiruvananthapuram,Dec 3(HS):
Pressure is mounting within the Congress party as several prominent women leaders have demanded the immediate expulsion of MLA Rahul Mankootathil, who is facing serious rape allegations and has been absconding for several days. The strong reactions come amid growing public outrage and indications that the Congress high command is deeply dissatisfied with the developments.
Congress leader Shanimol Usman was among the first to openly call for Rahul’s removal from the party. Speaking to the media, she said that a person facing such grave allegations has no moral right to continue even “for a single moment” within the party. “The Congress cannot move forward by tolerating individuals whose actions pose a danger to society. I sincerely hope the leadership will take the right decision without delay,” she said.
Shanimol also praised the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) for promptly handing over the complaint to the police, contrasting this with the approach of some other parties. “While many parties set up internal committees to bury such complaints, the KPCC acted responsibly by submitting the complaint directly to law enforcement. That deserves appreciation,” she said.
Echoing the sentiment, Congress leader Adv. Deepti Mary Varghese also demanded Rahul’s expulsion, stating that the party’s image cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
Senior Congress leader and former Mahila Congress president Bindu Krishna strongly criticised Rahul’s continued presence in public life. “For someone facing accusations that society cannot accept, continuing in public office is an insult to the very nation. The Congress has never supported or protected anyone accused of such acts. I believe the party will continue to take exemplary action,” she said.
Meanwhile, RMP leader K.K. Rema has demanded that Rahul resign from his MLA position immediately. “The allegations are extremely serious. A person facing such charges should not remain an MLA. Strong action must follow,” she said.
Sources within the Congress indicate that the party high command is unhappy with the situation and is considering stern disciplinary action. With Rahul currently absconding despite being booked under non-bailable sections, party insiders suggest that expulsion from the Congress is likely if the situation continues.
As the police intensify the search for the MLA, political pressure is quickly escalating, making it increasingly difficult for the Congress leadership to delay decisive action.
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
