Bypolls fear delays decision on tainted Kerala Congress MLA's exit

Thiruvananthapuram/Kozhikode: The resignation of Congress' Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, appears imminent, with the party distancing itself from him. Although no senior neta has directly asked him to step down, most have conveyed to the KPCC brass that his resignation was the only way to protect the party's image.

The Congress high command has authorised the Kerala leadership to take a final call but sources indicate the central leadership also favours his exit as MLA.

"Party leaders are holding discussions and gathering opinions from seniors. An appropriate decision will be taken soon," said AICC general secretary KC Venugopal. The delay in forcing Mamkoottathil's resignation is ostensibly linked to concerns over a potential bypoll in Palakkad. Congress fears a bypoll defeat would be catastrophic, possibly pushing the party to third place. Such a setback could blunt the momentum it has gained from anti-incumbency against the LDF govt.

Party strategists are weighing whether a resignation would necessitate a bypoll or if legal provisions might allow the seat to remain vacant, with less than a year to go before assembly elections.