Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 (NationPress) The leadership of the Congress in Kerala has decided against the immediate expulsion of the suspended Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is currently embroiled in sexual assault allegations. Instead, they are adopting a careful and measured strategy by diligently observing the ongoing legal proceedings.

Senior party figures have indicated that the party holds no direct responsibility in this situation, emphasizing that it is solely the MLA's responsibility to defend himself legally.

While some factions within the party are advocating for stricter penalties, including expulsion, the overall consensus during a high-level meeting was to postpone any further disciplinary measures until the investigation and trial provide more clarity.

Party leaders assert that the suspension was promptly implemented in August when the allegations first came to light, and they caution that hasty expulsion could present political challenges, particularly given the legal and electoral implications involved.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has been informed about the process and timing of the complaint submission, leaving the decision for further action to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

Deepa Das Munshi, in charge of Kerala, has reportedly briefed the high command, which is closely monitoring both the legal situation and the political consequences.

Within the leadership in Kerala, there is a growing suspicion that the timing of the complaint, coinciding with the local body election campaign, might have been politically orchestrated.

According to Congress leaders, this could be an attempt by the ruling CPI(M) to divert public attention from the ongoing gold heist scandal involving its own members.

They argue that the way the complaint was directly presented to the Chief Minister's Office raises doubts about political maneuvering.

While the party is distancing itself from the allegations, it recognizes the significant repercussions of having a sitting MLA facing serious charges, especially with important elections on the horizon.

The party plans to remain vigilant regarding the police investigation, court proceedings, and public sentiment before deciding on any future actions.

Meanwhile, calls for Mamkootathil's resignation have emerged from the CPI(M) and its affiliated organizations.

State General Education Minister V. Sivankutty stated that Congress leaders had previously questioned the whereabouts of the complainant, and now that she has come forward, Mamkootathil should resign if the Congress leadership does not see the necessity for his resignation.

The investigation team has taken the victim to testify before a magistrate, while Mamkootathil's counsel claims that so far, no evidence has surfaced, asserting that the responsibility now lies with the police to take action.

The youth wing of the CPI(M) has been staging protests across the state, prompting police to barricade the residence of Mamkootathil in Adoor, where his mother and sister reside, following reports of a planned protest march to his home.