Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil quits as State Youth Congress president after misconduct allegations

Youth Congress Kerala State president and Rahul Mamkoottathil, MLA, on Thursday (August 21, 2025) quit his post following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

While announcing his resignation, Mr. Mamkoottathil said he was stepping down “not because of any wrongdoing, but to protect the Congress party” as it intensifies its fight against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala.

“I firmly believe that defending me against these allegations should not be a burden for any Congress worker at a time when the struggle against the anti-people policies of the LDF government has reached its peak. Hence, I am resigning as Youth Congress president and I am prepared to face any complaint against me in court,” he declared.

Mr. Mamkoottathil also dismissed reports that the party leadership had demanded his resignation. “Neither the High Command nor (Kerala) Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan has contacted me in connection with this issue,” he said.

Responding to another query, he confirmed that the actor who levelled allegations of misconduct was once a close friend. “She has not filed any specific complaint by naming me. I don’t consider her as speaking against me,” he added.

Dismisses allegations by blogger

He further rubbished the allegations raised by a blogger, claiming that the purported audio clips and chats leaked to the media were fabricated.

Despite his assertion that the decision was voluntary, reports suggest that senior Congress leaders had grown concerned about retaining him in a key leadership role ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, fearing it could damage the party’s credibility. Sources indicated that Mr. Satheesan and KPCC president Sunny Joseph had already held informal discussions on the matter.

Earlier in the day, DYFI activists staged a protest march to Mr. Mamkoottathil residence demanding his resignation.