Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankootathil, Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Allegations, Attends Assembly

Thiruvananthapuram: Rahul Mankootathil MLA, the former state president of Youth Congress, who was recently suspended by the Congress party over sexual harassment allegations, arrived at the Legislative Assembly on Monday. His presence at the assembly defies warnings from a section of Congress leaders who had advised against his attendance.

Rahul Mankootathil was accompanied by Nemom Shajeer, the Thiruvananthapuram District President of Youth Congress. It is understood that Mankootathil had previously informed some Congress leaders of his intention to participate in the assembly session.

Speaker A.N. Shamseer had earlier clarified that should Rahul Mankootathil attend the assembly proceedings, he would be allocated a seat in a special block. This decision was made following a letter received from the Leader of the Opposition, which requested Mankootathil’s suspension from the parliamentary party and his relocation from the opposition block. The Speaker also noted that no formal leave application had been received from Rahul Mankootathil.

Currently, the 14th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly has commenced. Mankootathil was provided a seat adjacent to the last chair of the opposition block. The assembly is scheduled to convene until October 10, with proceedings divided into three distinct phases. On Monday, the session is set to adjourn as a mark of respect, mourning the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, former Speaker P.P. Thankachan, and MLA Vazhoor Soman.