What Does Suspended Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Say?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Mamkootathil asserts his loyalty to the Congress party.
- He claims many allegations against him are false.
- His public appearance marks a potential return to active political life.
- The ongoing investigation will determine the outcome of his allegations.
- He encourages the media to prioritize factual reporting.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (NationPress) - After enduring weeks of silence amid serious allegations of sexual misconduct, suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil made his first public appearance on Monday. He attended the Kerala Legislative Assembly and spoke to the media, marking a significant moment in his political journey.
Mamkootathil, representing Palakkad as a first-term MLA, faced suspension from the party last month due to a range of controversies.
Arriving at the Assembly around 9:15 a.m. in a friend's vehicle, he was met by a swarm of television crews and journalists eagerly awaiting his return.
Due to his suspended status, Speaker A.N. Shamseer provided him with a designated seat away from his colleagues.
On the first day of the session, which was dedicated solely to obituary references, Mamkootathil quietly took a seat in the back row among the Opposition.
His presence evoked no immediate response from fellow legislators.
As he left the legislators' hostel, protesters from CPI(M) youth organizations blocked his car until police intervened.
Speaking to the press outside the Assembly, Mamkootathil declared that many reports about him were false.
“The media has the freedom to report, but facts must prevail. It was claimed that I disobeyed party leadership by attending the Assembly, yet I adhere to party directives even while suspended,” he stated.
He also dismissed claims that he attempted to meet senior leaders, stating, “I never sought permission to meet anyone, nor was it denied.”
Regarding the ongoing investigation, he expressed, “Let the investigation unfold. I was incarcerated for 18 days under the Vijayan government, so anyone thinking I will receive favors now is mistaken. They aim to dismantle me.”
Having resigned as Youth Congress president last month, Mamkootathil reaffirmed his allegiance to the party. “I remain a Congress worker. These allegations emerged as the Youth Congress leads a vigorous campaign against the government. The investigation team is handling the case; let them do their job,” he added.
With his appearance in the Assembly, the suspended legislator is poised to re-enter public life and is expected to visit his Palakkad constituency soon.