From MLA to Expulsion: The Fall of Rahul Mamkoottathil

Thiruvananthapuram: Rahul Mamkoottathil’s political trajectory, once defined by rapid ascent, ended in a dramatic downfall. His rise began under the mentorship of Shafi Parambil, who repeatedly named him as his successor.

Starting as a Congress worker in 2006, Rahul became KSU District President in Pathanamthitta by 2017. In 2020, he was appointed Youth Congress State General Secretary, and in 2023, he was elected State President of the Youth Congress. In November 2024, following Shafi Parambil’s resignation as MLA, Rahul contested the Palakkad by-election as the UDF candidate. Despite initial opposition from senior Congress leaders, he was ultimately fielded and won the seat on December 4, 2024.

Even before contesting Palakkad, Rahul was embroiled in controversy. Allegations emerged over his election as Youth Congress State President, including claims of fake ID cards being used to manipulate votes. Under his leadership, the Kerala Youth Congress was accused of transforming into a mafia-like organisation, marked by intimidation, financial misconduct, and links to criminal elements. While the Crime Branch investigated the fake ID allegations, party leaders reportedly sought to shield him.

In 2025, these concerns were substantiated when the Muvattupuzha Munsiff Court ordered the cancellation of the Youth Congress’s primary membership list, invalidating the organisational elections. The verdict exposed manipulation by Rahul and his team to secure the state presidency, putting the party’s internal processes under intense scrutiny.

After assuming office as MLA, further allegations emerged regarding financial misconduct. The Youth Congress reportedly collected over five crore rupees, claiming the funds were for housing disaster-affected families in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. Rahul later stated that only 88 lakh rupees were received, but records from constituency committees contradicted this. Of 140 committees tasked to collect 2.5 lakh rupees each, 129 reportedly met or exceeded targets, with additional contributions from NRIs and businesspersons through social media transfers.

Despite these controversies, Rahul retained influence within the party, maintaining ties with certain power groups and alleged criminal networks.

The situation escalated when sexual assault allegations surfaced. Actor Rini Ann George first indirectly referred to Rahul’s predatory behaviour, emphasising his dismissive attitude towards complaints with the remark, 'Who cares.' Subsequently, voice recordings and messages were released, including alleged threats to kill a survivor and her unborn child. The woman, who was reportedly forced to undergo an abortion, lodged a formal complaint with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. A second survivor also came forward, accusing Rahul of rape and alleging coercion under the promise of marriage.

Exactly one year after taking office as MLA, on December 4, 2025, Rahul Mamkoottathil was expelled from the Congress amid serious allegations of rape and forced abortion. His downfall represents one of the most dramatic in recent Kerala political history, exposing patterns of manipulation, intimidation, and criminal association, while raising questions about the Congress party’s internal oversight.

Shafi Parambil, who once named Rahul as his political successor, now suggests that the party inadvertently created space for individuals with a criminal mindset.