Rahul Mamkootathil attends public function in Palakkad amid DYFI, BJP threats

Rahul Mamkootathil, the beleaguered MLA of Palakkad, attended his first public function in seven weeks in his constituency on Sunday (October 5, 2025) night when he flagged off a KSRTC AC bus service to Bengaluru. It is the first KSRTC AC bus service from Palakkad to Bengaluru.

Mr. Mamkootathil attended the function despite threats of disruption from the DYFI and the BJP. While the BJP had threatened that the MLA, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct, would not be allowed to set foot in Palakkad, the DYFI had threatened not to allow him to attend any public function.

Mr. Mamkootathil flagged off the bus service around 8.30 p.m. on Sunday with a modest crowd in attendance and no protests raised.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mamkootathil said an AC bus service to Bengaluru was a long-pending dream of the people of Palakkad. He announced plans to start similar inter-State services from Palakkad.

The 50-seater bus with push-back seats will leave Palakkad KSRTC station daily at 9 p.m. and depart from Bengaluru at 9.15 p.m for the return trip. Fares range from ₹900 per head on weekdays to ₹1,171 on Sundays.

Was not aware of event: DYFI

According to DYFI district secretary K.C. Riyasudheen, the DYFI was “not aware” of the flagging-off function.

He reiterated that the DYFI would prevent Mr. Mamkootathil from attending public functions.