Pressure is mounting on Kerala Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to resign from the state Assembly following allegations of misconduct towards women. While he has stepped down from his position as the Kerala Youth Congress president, he has so far refused to resign as MLA.

The allegations against Mamkootathil include sending inappropriate messages and making unwanted advances. Several women have come forward with accusations, including actress Rini Ann George and writer Honey Bhaskaran. A prominent transgender activist has also accused the MLA of sexual misconduct, alleging that he attempted to lure her to hotels and made disturbing remarks. Audio clips and chat screenshots have surfaced, allegedly featuring Mamkootathil pressuring a woman to have an abortion and sending explicit messages to other women.

The Kerala Women's Commission has taken cognizance of the allegations and has ordered a probe into the matter. The commission has directed its director to register a case, conduct a preliminary inquiry, and submit a report. If the commission finds evidence that offences were committed, it will direct the State Police Chief to register a case.

The Congress party is facing increasing pressure to take action against Mamkootathil. While Mamkootathil has resigned from his position as Youth Congress state president "to protect the Congress party," calls for his resignation as MLA have grown louder. The CPI(M) has stated that it is up to the Congress to decide whether Mamkootathil should resign.

The issue has also triggered political sparring, with accusations being leveled against Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan and Congress MP Shafi Pramabil, who are considered to be Mamkootathil's "godfathers". There are allegations that Satheesan failed to take action against Mamkootathil despite being informed about the misconduct earlier. Congress MP V.K. Sreekandan initially made controversial remarks against actress Rini Ann George, questioning her "moral integrity," but later apologized.

The Mahila Morcha, the women's wing of the BJP, staged a "cradle protest" in Thrissur demanding Mamkootathil's resignation. The protesters argued that an MLA accused of sexual misconduct has no moral right to continue in office and has insulted democracy itself.

Mamkootathil's refusal to resign as MLA has intensified the pressure on the Congress party to take decisive action. The allegations have sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about the party's commitment to women's safety and dignity. The outcome of the Kerala Women's Commission's probe and the Congress party's response will be crucial in determining Mamkootathil's future in the Assembly and the political landscape of Kerala.