Palakkad, Sep 24 (NationPress) Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil, who is currently facing numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, made his return to his Palakkad constituency in Kerala on Wednesday after a 38-day absence, sparking both protests and expressions of support.

The first-time MLA, who has been suspended from the Congress party pending an inquiry, started his visit by paying homage at the residence of Xavier, the late former constituency president.

His arrival was met with protests from BJP workers and the youth wing of CPI(M) outside his office, leading to police deploying extra security to prevent any clashes.

Despite the unrest, Mamkootathil navigated through the constituency alongside groups of loyal party supporters.

At one moment, senior Congress MP Benny Behanan was spotted embracing him, a gesture that seemed to uplift the spirits of the beleaguered legislator.

Mamkootathil, who left his home in Adoor at 2 a.m. to arrive in Palakkad, was welcomed by supporters who had gathered early in anticipation of his return.

While the media pressed him with inquiries about the allegations and his political future, he responded only with a customary smile, choosing to maintain a composed silence throughout the day.

The MLA had departed from Palakkad on August 17, and shortly thereafter, the initial allegations emerged.

As the scandal grew, the Congress party suspended him from primary membership, and when the Assembly reconvened, Speaker A.N. Shamseer assigned him a separate seat.

Mamkootathil was present only on the opening day of the 12-day session, skipping the remaining days.

With the Assembly set to reconvene soon, speculation is rife regarding his return to participate in the proceedings.

The controversy has also intensified divisions within the Congress party. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan has taken a firm stance, defending the party's disciplinary actions and emphasizing that the decision was made collectively at the state leadership level. However, some leaders in Palakkad have rallied behind Mamkootathil, pledging to support him despite his suspension.

His return to the constituency signifies an effort to reestablish his political presence after weeks of absence.

For now, Mamkootathil is anticipated to stay in Palakkad for several days, reconnecting with his base.

The mixed response - support from loyalists, anger from opponents, and his silence regarding the allegations - highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his political career. Notably, as his vehicle entered the nearby Assembly constituency of Malampuzha, the MLA board was removed from his car.