In a sharp political clash, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph has firmly dismissed allegations from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) regarding a Congress legislator facing serious charges. The controversy centers on Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is accused in a sexual assault case.
Congress Denies Aiding MLA, Challenges CPM Leader
On Monday, Sunny Joseph categorically rejected the claim made by CPM state secretary M V Govindan. Govindan had alleged that the Congress party assisted Mamkootathil in evading authorities and going into hiding. Joseph challenged Govindan, stating that if the CPM leader knew the MLA's whereabouts, he would join him in finding Mamkootathil. This rebuttal escalates the war of words between the two major political fronts in Kerala.
When journalists pressed Joseph on whether the Congress would demand the Palakkad MLA's resignation if he were arrested, the KPCC chief pointed to precedent. He indicated the issue could be handled similarly to the case involving CPM legislator M Mukesh, who also faced legal troubles. Joseph clarified that the Congress has not yet sought Mamkootathil's resignation, noting there was no such immediate precedent for such action.
Sabarimala Gold Theft: A Ploy to Divert Attention?
Shifting the focus to a different scandal, Sunny Joseph asserted that the gold theft at the Sabarimala temple was a matter of far greater seriousness than the allegations against Mamkootathil. He accused the ruling CPM of deliberately using the MLA's case as a tactical diversion. According to Joseph, this is a calculated ploy by the Marxists to shift public attention away from the sensitive and ongoing investigation into the missing temple gold.
Mamkootathil Submits Additional Evidence in Court
In a parallel legal development on the same day, Rahul Mamkootathil reportedly submitted additional evidence to the Thiruvananthapuram district court. This new material is said to include photographs, hash value certificates for WhatsApp chats, and recordings of phone conversations. The evidence was submitted in sealed covers as part of the formal legal proceedings in the rape case filed against him. This move indicates the MLA's legal team is actively building a defense as the case progresses.
The political drama intertwining serious criminal allegations, legal maneuvers, and accusations of diversionary tactics highlights the intense and often bitter rivalry between the Congress and the CPM in Kerala. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both the individuals involved and the political landscape of the state.
