Speaking to reporters at his home in Adoor near Pathanamthitta, Mamkootathil denied any wrongdoing. He said the actress is a friend and added that he does not believe she accused him.
Kerala Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil resigned as the state Youth Congress president on Thursday. His decision came after an actress accused a "young leader" of misbehaviour. Although she did not name anyone, protests broke out against Mamkootathil, forcing him to step down.
Actress Rini Ann George made the allegation recently. She said a youth leader from a major political party misbehaved with her, but did not reveal a name. Soon after, workers of the BJP and CPI(M)’s youth wing DYFI staged protests demanding Mamkootathil’s resignation, even from his post as MLA.
The Congress party has also launched an internal inquiry into the issue, according to PTI.
Speaking to reporters at his home in Adoor near Pathanamthitta, Mamkootathil denied any wrongdoing. He said the actress is a friend and added that he does not believe she accused him.
"I don't believe the person she mentioned was me. She is my good friend and will remain so. I believe that I have not done anything against the law or the Constitution of the country until now," he said.
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Mamkootathil also added that the Congress party never asked him to resign. He said he decided because the party should not waste energy on such issues when the state government is already facing several protests and controversies.
At the end of his press conference, Mamkootathil announced that he was quitting as Youth Congress state president. However, he stressed that he stands by his innocence.
"I still believe that I have not committed any illegal act," he said.
Mamkootathil represents the Palakkad constituency in the Kerala Assembly.
Opposition Leader and senior Congress leader VD Satheesan said the party will take the allegation seriously. He assured that action will be taken if charges are proven.
"The Party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision," Satheesan told ANI.
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He also said the party will not delay in making a decision. "If someone is making any allegation, we will look into it. We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy," he added.
For now, Mamkootathil has stepped down only from his Youth Congress role, not as MLA. The Congress party’s internal inquiry will decide his political future. The controversy has also added pressure to the Congress unit in Kerala as the state gears up for heated political battles in the coming months.
