Kerala Youth Congress Chief Quits Over Harassment Row

• Rahul Mamakuttathil, Kerala Youth Congress president and Pala MLA, resigns.
• Resignation follows allegations by model Reeni Ann George and writer Hani Bhaskaran.
• Both accused him of sending obscene and inappropriate messages.

GG News Bureau
Kottayam, 21st Aug: Kerala politics was rocked on Wednesday after Youth Congress state president and Pala MLA Rahul Mamakuttathil resigned from his post following serious allegations of misconduct.

The resignation came after model Reeni Ann George and writer Hani Bhaskaran publicly accused Rahul of sending them objectionable and obscene messages. The Youth Congress immediately ordered an internal inquiry, while the Congress leadership asserted that the party would not tolerate any act of indiscipline or behaviour against women.

Allegations surface on social media

Reeni Ann George claimed via social media that Rahul repeatedly sent her inappropriate messages, which she described as “harassment rather than friendly conversation.” Soon after, well-known writer Hani Bhaskaran also stepped forward, stating that Rahul had sent her similar inappropriate messages, calling it unbecoming of an MLA and youth leader.

Political storm and resignation

As the allegations quickly escalated into a political firestorm, Rahul submitted his resignation to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). In his statement, he termed the accusations a “political conspiracy” aimed at damaging his image.

“There is a deliberate attempt to tarnish my reputation and harm the organisation. The truth will come out after the investigation,” Rahul said.

KPCC accepted his resignation, announcing the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to examine the charges.

Party and opposition reactions

The Youth Congress national leadership issued a strong statement, assuring that women’s safety and dignity remain a top priority and vowing stern action if the allegations are proven.

The controversy comes as a major setback for the Congress, which is gearing up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and working to strengthen its organisation in Kerala. Rahul was considered one of the party’s rising young faces, having risen rapidly through student politics to head the state Youth Congress.

Meanwhile, opposition parties seized the opportunity to attack the Congress. The BJP and CPI(M) accused the party of double standards on women’s rights, questioning its credibility on issues of gender justice.

Inquiry ahead

The Congress inquiry panel is expected to record the statements of both complainants and examine electronic evidence before submitting its report within two weeks.

The episode has once again raised uncomfortable questions about women’s safety and the conduct of public representatives in Indian politics. For many, Rahul Mamakuttathil’s fall from grace is not just about one leader, but a reflection of a larger political culture struggling with accountability and personal integrity.