Is a Sexual-exploitation Complaint Against Congress MLA Changing the Narrative from CPI-M in the Sabarimala Gold Heist?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political drama intensifies as a sexual-exploitation complaint emerges.
- Congress MLA suspended amid allegations.
- CPI-M faces scrutiny over gold-heist case.
- Protests erupt in Palakkad demanding accountability.
- Upcoming elections may be influenced by these developments.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 27 (NationPress) In a stunning political development, a sexual-exploitation complaint filed by a woman against the suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil directly with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday has surprisingly shifted the focus, providing a measure of relief to the beleaguered ruling CPI-M, which has been grappling with severe embarrassment over the Sabarimala gold-heist case.
The ruling party has been under intense political and public examination following the arrest of two of its prominent members — A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu, both former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) — by the High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) concerning the sensational gold theft at Sabarimala.
Both Padmakumar and Vasu are known close associates of Chief Minister Vijayan and CPI-M state secretary M.V. Govindan.
The Congress-led UDF has been vocally accusing the CPI-M of shielding Padmakumar, emphasizing that despite the serious nature of the allegations, he has not been suspended.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticized Govindan for his refusal to take action against Padmakumar, alleging that the CPI-M is applying double standards while protecting its own leaders.
However, the new complaint against Mamkootathil has redirected political discussions.
Sources verified that the complaint submitted to the Chief Minister has been passed on to the Crime Branch, and a senior police officer has commenced recording the complainant's statement.
In response to recent developments, State Congress president and senior legislator Sunny Joseph reiterated that the party acted promptly.
“Rahul was suspended immediately following the emergence of the controversy. A police case has been registered, and a complaint has reportedly reached the Chief Minister. With the investigation in progress, we trust the law to take its course,” he stated.
Meanwhile, reports of the complaint have ignited protests in Palakkad, where agitated CPI-M youth-wing members marched to Mamkootathil's locked constituency office, chanting slogans demanding his resignation.
As the gold-heist case continues to undermine the moral standing of the CPI-M, and a sexual-exploitation complaint now complicates matters for the Congress, Kerala's political landscape appears poised for an extended period of accusations, counter-allegations, and legal confrontations, with critical local body elections set for December 9 and 11.
Amid these developments, Rahul is reportedly seeking legal advice on how to navigate the complaint, fearing a possible arrest.