Congress Under Fire: CPI(M) Slams 'Constitutional Violation' Over MLA's Dual Role

A heated political storm is brewing in Kerala as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M) – has unleashed a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the grand old party of flagrantly violating its own foundational principles. At the heart of this controversy lies the case of Rahul Mamkootathil, the sitting Palakkad MLA, whose recent unsuccessful bid for a Lok Sabha seat has become a flashpoint for allegations of blatant hypocrisy and constitutional disregard.

The CPI(M)'s ire stems from the fact that Mamkootathil, despite contesting and losing the Alathur Lok Sabha constituency, continues to hold his position as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Palakkad.

According to the CPI(M), this situation directly contravenes a well-established, albeit unwritten, constitutional norm within the Congress party. This norm dictates that any party member holding an elected public office should tender their resignation from that position before vying for another.

Drawing parallels to past political battles, the CPI(M) leadership has pointed fingers, reminding the Congress of its vociferous demands in similar scenarios involving CPI(M) leaders.

They highlighted instances where the Congress had vehemently insisted on the resignations of individuals like P.K. Biju and V. Sivankutty when they sought to transition from one elected role to another. The question now being aggressively posed by the CPI(M) is: why do these stringent standards not apply to their own members, specifically Rahul Mamkootathil?

The accusation is not merely about procedural irregularity; it's a strategic strike at the Congress's moral high ground.

The CPI(M) alleges that the Congress is demonstrating a clear double standard, selectively applying its rules based on political convenience. This, they argue, exposes a deep-seated opportunism within the party, where principles are sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.

This escalating war of words underscores the intense rivalry between the two dominant political fronts in Kerala.

The CPI(M) is leveraging Mamkootathil's situation to portray the Congress as a party riddled with internal inconsistencies and a lack of commitment to its professed ideals. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the Congress will address these pointed accusations and whether Rahul Mamkootathil's dual role will indeed lead to further internal or external pressure.

The controversy not only puts the Congress's internal mechanisms under scrutiny but also fuels a broader discussion on political ethics and accountability in the state's vibrant democratic landscape.

The CPI(M)'s calculated offensive aims to undermine the Congress's credibility, making this a pivotal moment in Kerala's political narrative.