Palakkad: MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who was expelled from the Congress following three sexual assault cases, has said the decision on whether he will contest the upcoming election lies with the party.

Mamkootathil, who returned to his Palakkad constituency after being granted bail in all three cases, told reporters that he would continue to support the Congress even after his expulsion.

Asked if he planned to contest the election, he said he had made no declaration and added: “It was the party that fielded me for the election. If the party asks me to contest, I will contest. If the party asks me not to contest, I will not contest.”

When reminded that he is now outside the party, Mamkootathil said he would still leave the decision to the Congress.

Reflecting on his political career, he said: “I have been in politics for 18 years and during that time, I have been an MLA for only 1.5 years. I am not adamant that in public life one should be a public representative. Being a public representative is a big thing, that too in a constituency like Palakkad.”

He also noted that despite not being a native of Palakkad, voters had elected him by a record margin.

On potential candidates for the constituency, he said, “Palakkad has always elected people who uphold its secular stand. Even during challenging times, Palakkad has taken the right decision.”

Responding to reports that the Congress may field actor Ramesh Pisharody, Mamkootathil declined to comment, saying, “Is it so?”

Mamkootathil has received bail in three cases concerning allegations of sexual assault against women, reportedly after promising to marry them.