The legal woes of Rahul Mamkootathil deepened dramatically as a Kerala sessions court turned down his bail application on Wednesday. The former Congress MLA from Wayanad, expelled for spearheading violent anti-liquor protests, now stares at prolonged detention.
Back in late 2023, outrage over the LDF government’s liquor policy ignited mass agitations. Mamkootathil, a vocal critic and Youth Congress president, mobilized crowds that ransacked liquor stores across districts. The rampage prompted his arrest on charges including unlawful assembly, rioting, and destruction of public property.
In a packed courtroom, Mamkootathil’s counsel pleaded his case, emphasizing first-time offender status and political vendetta claims. Prosecutors countered with irrefutable digital evidence and injured officers’ statements. The bench, weighing public safety concerns, ruled against bail, directing police to expedite the probe.
This verdict sends shockwaves through opposition ranks. Congress high command, already divided over the expulsion, faces renewed scrutiny. Allies and rivals alike dissect the event, with some viewing it as symptomatic of aggressive governance tactics. Wayanad constituents, loyal to Mamkootathil, vow continued protests.
At its core, the episode reflects Kerala’s polarized stance on alcohol policy—a mix of cultural conservatism and economic stakes. As Mamkootathil mulls higher court options, his ordeal spotlights the perils of street politics in India’s southern state. The coming weeks will test the resilience of both the leader and his party.