As the controversy surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct against Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA, begins to subside, Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu has sparked a new row by levelling similar accusations against Shafi Parambil, MP.
Mr. Babu’s allegations came on Thursday, a day after Mr. Mamkootathil reached Palakkad after five weeks’ hiatus in the wake of the explosive accusations against him.
The CPI(M) leader challenged Mr. Parambil to denounce Mr. Mamkootathil’s action and to seek his resignation as MLA. “He will not be bold enough for that, because they are partners in crime,” said Mr. Babu.
He alleged that Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan suspended Mr. Mamkootathil for playing too much into his own hands or advancing his own interests.
Shafi to move legally
Mr. Parambil, meanwhile, dismissed the CPI(M) leader’s allegations as malicious slander and averred to take legal action against him. “It does not deserve a reply in fact. Is this the electoral policy the CPI(M) is going to adopt for 2026?” he asked.
The Congress MP demanded that the CPI(M) State leadership clarify if its election manifesto endorses the district secretary’s slanderous remarks.
Sack, arrest Babu: Satheesan
The CPI(M) Palakkad district secretary’s remarks against Shafi Parambil MP were not just allegations but outright insult, Oopposition leader V.D. Satheesan charged on Thursday.
Speaking to the media in Thrissur, he said the CPI(M) must remove him from the district secretary post and the police should register a case and arrest him for the derogatory comments.
He pointed out that in Paravoor, in the alleged defaming of CPI(M) leader K. J. Shine, cases were swiftly registered against everyone involved in an incident. But no action was taken on complaint of C.K. Gopalakrishnan’s differently-abled wife about cyber attack by Left supporters.
“When it comes to CPI(M) leaders, the rules change. If someone says anything against them, even the innocent get booked,” Mr. Satheesan alleged.
Disgusting: Krishnadas
CPI(M) senior leader and former MP N.N. Krishnadas on Thursday branded Mr. Mamkootathil as an embarrassment on Kerala’s political landscape. He accused the Congress of challenging the people by welcoming Mr. Mamkootathil back to Palakkad.
“It is proof that the Congress is shameless. Let the Congress wallow in the mire of Mr. Mankoothathil’s reputation and become increasingly discredited,” said Mr. Krishnadas.
Won’t isolate Rahul: Thankappan
Meanwhile, District Congress Committee (DCC) president A. Thankappan said that the party would not isolate Mr. Mamkootathil. “He is not expelled from the party, which only suspended him as a disciplinary measure,” he said.
The DCC president said that the party would give complete support to Mr. Mamkootathil as an MLA, who would be active in the constituency ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Published – September 25, 2025 07:41 pm IST
