Mukesh need not resign as MLA: Kerala CPI(M)

Thiruvananthapuram: On Saturday, the ruling CPM rejected calls for the resignation of its MLA and actor M Mukesh. Mukesh has been accused of rape and sexual assault based on complaints filed by actresses from the Malayalam film industry.

The CPM’s reaction comes as a section of CPI leaders, the opposition Congress party and women from various fields are calling for Mukesh’s resignation.

After the CPM state committee meeting, party state secretary MV Govindan said that Mukesh’s resignation from the assembly was necessary on moral grounds. “Right now, he is only facing allegations. If he is acquitted tomorrow, there is no possibility of reinstating him as MLA on moral grounds. Therefore, he should be investigated and if found guilty, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.

He stated that the state government was strongly supporting the victims as evident from the case filed against an MLA of the ruling party.

What was the central government’s stand on sexual harassment cases involving female wrestlers and women in Manipur? he asked.

Govindan said that a report by National Election Watch indicated that 16 MPs and 135 MLAs in India have been accused of sexual harassment and are facing charges. Of them, BJP has 54, Congress 23, TDP 17 and AAP 13. None have resigned from their elected positions.

In Kerala, the late Oommen Chandy, PK Kunhalikutty, AP Anil Kumar, Hibi Eden and Shashi Tharoor were accused of sexual harassment. However, none of these leaders have resigned. He said that ministers have resigned because they were holding senior positions.

The CPM leader alleged that a politically motivated campaign has been launched against the MLA.