Rahul Mamkootathil turns up for assembly session amidst objection, to sit in separate block

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rahul Mamkootathil MLA suspended from the party for the sexual allegations levelled against him, has turned up for the assembly session. Despite opposition leader V D Satheesan's objection, Rahul has now reached the assembly to participate in the session.

Satheesan raised the objection as Rahul's presence would reduce the moral strength of the opposition's tactics. However, the old ‘A’ faction including P C Vishnunath was determined to bring Rahul to the assembly. If the ruling party raises the issue of Rahul, the opposition will defend it by raising issues including that of M Mukesh.

Satheesan had written to the assembly speaker demanding that Rahul be removed from the opposition block as he is not part of the UDF. Following this, Rahul will be allotted a separate bloc today. Rahul was suspended from the party with the knowledge of the central leadership. Satheesan also said that he is taking responsibility for it.

However, KPCC President Sunny Joseph MLA's response was in support of Rahul. He said that many people in the ruling party have heard similar allegations and that there is no obstacle for Rahul coming to the assembly. UDF convener Adoor Prakash also has the same stand.

The old ‘A’ group members of the Congress are strongly supporting Rahul. Shafi Parambil MP, P C Vishnunath MLA and former KPCC President M M Hassan stepped forward publicly supporting Rahul. Although many senior leaders are not ready to express their views publicly, they are in favor of him coming to the assembly. Satheesan is in a more or less isolated situation.