In a swift and decisive move, the Indian National Congress expelled its legislator H. Salam Mamkootathil from the party's primary membership on Thursday. This action came immediately after a court order related to serious allegations against the MLA.
Immediate Expulsion Following Court Verdict
The party leadership moved with remarkable speed, removing Mamkootathil within minutes of the court's decision being announced. This step was taken as the Congress found itself under intense pressure after a survivor formally lodged a complaint against the sitting MLA.
The expulsion was reportedly greenlit by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) shortly after KPCC president Sunny Joseph received a separate rape complaint from another woman on Tuesday. This second complaint accelerated the party's internal proceedings against the accused leader.
Pressure Mounts from Party High Command
Senior leaders in Delhi had been pushing for strong disciplinary measures. AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunsi, reportedly informed the Congress brass that severe action was now unavoidable. The primary concern was the severe damage inflicted on the party's public image, especially with crucial assembly polls scheduled for next year in Kerala.
The central leadership had explicitly instructed the state unit to take stern action against Mamkootathil. However, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chose to wait for the court's verdict before acting. This delay was a strategic move, apparently to avoid further political embarrassment and to prevent any internal dissent within the party ranks.
Damage Control Ahead of Elections
The party's rapid response highlights its attempt to control the political fallout from the scandal. With elections on the horizon, the Congress is keen to project a zero-tolerance stance towards misconduct, particularly allegations as grave as sexual assault. The expulsion is seen as a critical step in its damage control strategy, aiming to reassure the public and its voter base.
The entire episode underscores the challenges political parties face when dealing with serious allegations against their members. The Congress's decision to act only after the court order also reflects the legal and procedural tightropes parties often walk in such sensitive situations.
