The controversy surrounding Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has sparked a major political churn in Palakkad, placing the Congress leadership under pressure while giving the BJP an opening to expand its influence in the district. Rahul, who had won the by-election with 58,389 votes, had managed to keep the BJP’s C Krishnakumar, who secured 39,549 votes, at bay. However, the latest allegations have cast a shadow over his political standing, with BJP leaders sensing momentum shifting further in their favour.

Senior BJP leaders have renewed demands for Rahul’s resignation, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy as sections of its leadership defend him while others express unease. They argue the episode highlights the crisis of credibility within the party.

The BJP’s rise in Palakkad has been steady. In the 2020 local body elections, the party secured 28 seats, underlining its emergence as a serious challenger to both the Congress and the Left. With the Congress now battling an internal storm, BJP strategists believe the situation could significantly accelerate their growth.

Grassroots BJP workers openly admit the controversy has handed them a strategic advantage. “The MLA can barely attend local events now. If Congress continues to shield him, it will benefit us. If he is forced to resign and a by-election takes place, it will be a cakewalk,” a local cadre remarked.

While some leaders caution against viewing the matter solely through electoral arithmetic, they agree that the “Rahul factor” will weigh heavily in upcoming polls. A senior leader summed it up: “This will impact Palakkad, but our larger goal is to ensure BJP’s success across Kerala. Both Congress and the Left face credibility issues, while the BJP stands for genuine development.”