Rahul Mamkootathil once again refrained from resigning as the Palakkad MLA on Sunday, despite intensifying pressure from within the Congress party. Senior leaders, including Shanimol Usman and Uma Thomas, have publicly demanded his resignation, as the party appears united in its stance against him.

Rahul is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, including a transgender woman. The mounting outrage has sparked internal consensus within the party leadership that his resignation is inevitable.

At a hastily called press conference, Rahul released a voice message in which Avanthika, the transgender woman at the centre of the controversy, is heard calling him a "good friend" and stating that he has never misbehaved with her. In the message, she adds that she lives in a society where she has the freedom and courage to respond and file a complaint if such an assault had occurred.

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Avanthika, Rahul Mamkootathil

According to Rahul, Avanthika made the call on August 1 at 8.24 pm. During the conversation, she allegedly informed him that she had received a call from a news reporter asking whether she had any complaints or had experienced any misconduct from Rahul. Avanthika reportedly said she suspected it was an attempt to frame him, and claimed to have recorded the call.

Rahul claimed that he asked Avanthika about the situation, and that she voluntarily sent him the voice message in response. In the message, the reporter—who introduced themselves as a journalist—can be heard asking Avanthika whether Rahul had behaved inappropriately or whether there was any threat to her life.

Rahul questioned the logic behind the accusations, stating, “If her life was under threat, why would she call me?” He added that this message was shared by Avanthika after he asked her that question.

He further said, “Even the worst offender deserves to have their side heard. I have more to say to the public. I believe responsible reporting must also consider my version.”

However, Avanthika later responded, stating that the voice message was from an earlier date and that she had refrained from speaking out publicly because she was afraid. While she did not deny that the recording was from August 1, she maintained that it was made prior to the recent allegations. She also said she was going through a difficult time due to cyber harassment.

Despite not addressing the resignation demands, Rahul issued a public apology to Congress workers, acknowledging the difficult situation the controversy has created for the party. He also kept silent on other grave allegations raised against him by other women.