Thiruvananthapuram: Youth Congress state president and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has come under pressure within the party to respond to serious allegations raised against him. As demands grew that he step aside from the Youth Congress leadership, reports suggest he may resign.

The AICC has reportedly intervened in the matter and may direct him to resign from the post of Youth Congress president.

Earlier, actress Rini Ann George alleged she was invited by a youth political leader to a five-star hotel and sent obscene messages. Though she did not name anyone, party groups widely discussed Rahul’s name. A woman writer also made allegations against him, intensifying calls for his resignation.

Youth Congress secretary’s remarks

“Youth Congress is a movement with many young women. Whether to sideline him or to promote him, such allegations cannot be brushed aside. The state president is facing charges, it must be discussed. If he has not done wrong, the organisation has a duty to protect him. If wrong has been done, he and the party have a duty to step aside for investigation. Stories keep coming out like a mega serial,” a purported audio message emerged of Youth Congress state general secretary R.V. Sneha.

She further claimed that if the allegations are false, Rahul should file a case against those who raised them.

DCC’s view

Palakkad DCC president A Thankappan said action would be taken against Rahul if clarity emerges on the allegations raised. “The party will not protect anyone. Allegations were raised without naming anybody. That should be clarified. The party state president and Opposition leader will take the necessary action,” Thankappan said.

He added that no action could be taken merely based on what the media reported. “Further clarity is required on the allegations,” he said.

Party under pressure

Notably, senior leaders of the party have so far refrained from reacting to the allegations against Rahul. Complaints have reportedly reached the party’s national leadership as well. Sources indicated that Rahul may be asked to step aside until the inquiry is completed, with signals pointing to his possible resignation.