Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Monday suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the party’s primary membership for six months following allegations of sexual misconduct.

The party had first acted last week, asking Mamkootathil to step down as president of the Youth Congress hours after the allegations surfaced. He complied. While the KPCC did not demand his resignation from the Assembly, the disciplinary action bars him from participating in upcoming legislative and party meetings.

Party leaders, including KPCC president Sunny Joseph, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, held consultations before deciding on suspension. Sources said the move aims at damage control, fearing a resignation could trigger a Palakkad by-election and political setbacks. The high command had earlier favoured resignation, but legal advice prompted the state unit to adopt suspension instead.

MLA barred from official forums

Following the suspension, Mamkootathil will not take part in parliamentary party meetings or other official forums. Party leaders hope the move will cool the controversy, despite growing pressure from women leaders, including former legislator Shanimol Usman and current legislator Uma Thomas, demanding his resignation.

MLA responds but avoids serious allegations

On Sunday, Mamkootathil released WhatsApp chats and phone conversations with the complainant, a transwoman named Avantika, accused him of coercion and threats. However, he has avoided direct response to more serious claims, including an audio clip allegedly in which he is heard forcing a woman into abortion and issuing death threats. Avantika insists the voice is his. Mamkootathil has not denied it nor sought a forensic examination.

Investigations underway

Both the State Women’s Commission and the Child Rights Commission have taken cognisance of the matter after a second, more damaging portion of the audio surfaced. Mamkootathil maintains he will “respond if and when a case is filed” while refusing to lodge complaints about alleged fake recordings.

The KPCC hopes the suspension, rather than resignation, will contain political fallout. The ruling CPM and BJP have strongly protested and demanded the first-time legislator step down.