Thu Sep 25 16:40:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A political storm is brewing in Palakkad, Kerala, surrounding Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing accusations of sexual misconduct. CPI(M) district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu has ignited further controversy by suggesting a senior Congress leader, implied to be Shafi Parambil, is covering for Mamkootathil and is implicated in wrongdoing. Congress leaders have vehemently denied the accusations and plan to sue Babu for slander. Despite the allegations, Mamkootathil is carrying on with his duties, seemingly supported by some within his party. The CPI(M) and BJP are critical of the Congress’s handling of the situation, with the DYFI and BJP planning continued protests and criticism against Mamkootathil.
Here’s the News Article:

**Kerala Congress Embroiled in Controversy as CPI(M) Accuses Leader of Protecting MLA Facing Misconduct Allegations**

**Thiruvananthapuram, September 25, 2025** – A political firestorm has erupted in Kerala’s Palakkad district, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] accusing a senior Congress leader of shielding MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing serious allegations of serial sexual misconduct.

E.N. Suresh Babu, the CPI(M) Palakkad district secretary, made the incendiary claim on Thursday, suggesting the unnamed “headmaster” (implied to be Shafi Parambil, MP) of Mamkootathil was afraid to denounce the legislator due to shared involvement in illicit activities. Babu insinuated Parambil had a reputation for soliciting women and was in partnership with Mamkootathil.

The allegations have drawn a furious response from the Congress party. Party workers took to the streets in Palakkad to protest Babu’s statements, which they decried as slanderous. Shafi Parambil himself condemned the claims as “libelous slander,” and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan announced that Parambil will pursue legal action against Babu.

Despite the controversy, Mamkootathil has continued his duties as MLA, holding office hours and meeting with constituents. Notably, a visible number of Congress leaders have appeared to openly support him, despite the severity of the accusations.

This show of support has drawn criticism from both the CPI(M) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both parties claim that the Congress’s actions betray a lack of seriousness in addressing the allegations against Mamkootathil. N.N. Krishnadas, a CPI(M) State committee member, stated that Mr. Mamkootathil was congress’s political liability.

The youth wing of the CPI(M), the DYFI, has vowed to continue its campaign of satirical protests against Mamkootathil, while the BJP has announced plans to escalate its street protests.

Satheesan defended Congress leaders who have publicly welcomed Mamkootathil, stating that he remains a party colleague, though temporarily suspended from organisational roles. A. Thankappan, the Palakkad District Congress Committee president, clarified that the party has not called for Mamkootathil to be ostracized.

The unfolding scandal threatens to destabilize the political landscape in Palakkad, raising questions about accountability and the handling of sexual misconduct allegations within the Congress party. The legal battle and planned protests are expected to keep the issue at the forefront of Kerala politics in the coming weeks.

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