Rahul Mamkootathil returns to Palakkad amid protests

CONGRESS legislator Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing accusations of sexual misconduct, returned to his constituency in Palakkad after a hiatus of 38 days on Wednesday (September 24, 2025) despite the threat of boycott by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

Mr Mamkootathil, who arrived in a car displaying the MLA board, called on the bereaved family of a Congress worker and conveyed his condolences. 

Later, Mr Mamkootathil, tailed by television news cameras broadcasting live, took a walk around the neighbourhood, glad-handing a few passersby and shop owners. 

Meanwhile, a large police force was deployed in front of the MLA’s office, which had opened in the morning in anticipation of Mr Mamkootathil’s arrival. 
Protest snowballs against Rahul Mamkootathil

BJP State vice-president C. Krishnakumar said his party would not allow Mr Mamkootathil to “set foot in” the latter’s office. However, the BJP had no grouse about Mr Mamkootathil attending private functions in a personal capacity. 

DYFI’s Palakkad district secretary K.C. Riyasudeen said the youth organisation would organise a “people’s protest” against Mr Mamkootathil. 

Mr Mamkootathil’s visit to his constituency comes a few days after Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, visited Palakkad and interacted with the Congress’ district leadership.

Mr Satheesan reportedly stressed that Mr Mamkootathil’s suspension from the party’s primary membership was a collective decision and not hinged on any particular leader. 

Mr Mamkootathil’s arrival also comes on a day when senior Congress leader and permanent invitee to the party’s working committee Ramesh Chennithala held an anti-narcotic drugs awareness campaign in Palakkad town.

Mr Chennithala, however, refused to comment on Mr Mamkootathil’s visit.