Thiruvananthapuram, India – The arrest of Kerala Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil has sparked significant tension and political turmoil in the southern state. Mamkootathil was taken into custody in connection with a recent violent protest, leading to accusations from the Congress party that his arrest was a “political decision” made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Youth Congress responded to Mamkootathil’s arrest by conducting a protest march to the Secretariat in the capital city, prompting the police to use water cannons to disperse the agitated activists. The Congress claimed that if anyone should face charges for inciting violence, it should be Chief Minister Vijayan himself.
The ruling CPI(M), on the other hand, justified the arrest, calling it a “natural procedure” and emphasizing that no one would be allowed to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the state. They refuted the Congress’s allegations and accused Mamkootathil of submitting a fake medical certificate to obtain bail.
The political tension has intensified, with the Congress vowing to persist in its fight until Vijayan is ousted from power. Meanwhile, the state secretary of CPI(M) urged the Congress to have the courage to face legal action when necessary, signaling that the political battle is far from over.
Mamkootathil’s arrest and subsequent remand to judicial custody have triggered widespread protests and criticism, with both parties exchanging heated words and accusations. The court in Thiruvananthapuram has remanded Mamkootathil in custody until January 22, after considering a medical report that indicated he had no major health issues.
The arrest and its aftermath continue to fuel political tensions and protests in Kerala, with both the Congress and the CPI(M) digging in their heels. The arrest of Mamkootathil is just the latest in a string of political confrontations that have paralyzed the state and raised questions about the stability and future direction of Kerala’s government.