A firestorm has erupted around Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, following the release of an audio clip where he purportedly threatens a woman. The controversy has intensified calls for his resignation and sparked political unrest in Kerala.
The audio clip, aired by a television channel, allegedly features Mamkootathil pressuring a woman to terminate her pregnancy. The woman is heard resisting, asserting her intention to raise the child independently. The voice attributed to Mamkootathil is heard chastising her for not having an abortion and warning her of the consequences. In a chilling exchange, the male voice responds to the woman's claim that he might poison her by saying, "If I wanted to kill you, how many seconds do you think it would take?".
The MLA is also heard expressing concern that the pregnancy would "destroy" his life. He accuses the woman of only thinking about herself and not considering the repercussions. The woman, however, insists on her love for the child and her ability to raise it without his support.
The emergence of this audio clip is the latest in a series of allegations against Mamkootathil. Earlier, actor and former journalist Rini Ann George accused him of sending inappropriate messages over three years, including an invitation to a five-star hotel. Transgender activist Avantika also alleged that Mamkootathil made vulgar comments and shared disturbing "rape fantasies" with her. WhatsApp chats purportedly showing the MLA making advances towards another woman have also gone viral. Writer Honey Bhaskaran claimed he initiated contact via Instagram before making derogatory comments about her to others.
The political fallout has been swift. The BJP and CPI(M)'s youth wing DYFI have staged protests in Palakkad, accusing the Congress party of shielding him. Women's groups have condemned the leaked clips, deeming them "deeply disturbing". Even within the Congress party, voices are growing that his continued presence damages the party's credibility ahead of upcoming elections.
Mamkootathil has denied any wrongdoing, stating that no legal complaints have been filed against him. On August 21, he resigned from his organizational posts, including that of state Youth Congress president, but insisted the decision was voluntary and that he would remain an MLA. Despite mounting criticism and calls for his resignation as an MLA, Mamkootathil remains defiant. "Resignation is not even in my thoughts. Let them complain, I can prove my innocence in court," he told reporters.
The controversy has sparked significant unrest in Kerala, with rival parties seizing the opportunity to criticize the Congress party. The allegations have become a major point of contention ahead of next year's Assembly elections.
