PALAKKAD: In a dramatic end to weeks of political turbulence, expelled Congress Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil — who vanished from public view soon after a woman approached the Chief Minister on November 27 with a sexual harassment complaint — surfaced briefly on Thursday evening to cast his vote in the second phase of the local body elections.

Mamkootathil appeared at St. Sebastian’s School in Kunnathurmedu North (ward 24) around 4.50 pm, choosing the near-empty final hour of polling to avoid public glare. He arrived in his official vehicle, ending a 15-day period of hiding that had fuelled intense local speculation and political sparring.

The moment he stepped out, CPM and BJP workers broke into loud jeers, waving pictures of a rooster and a cradle — symbols they have adopted to taunt him since the allegations surfaced. DYFI workers shouted slogans, while Congress workers attempted to counter the hostile scene by welcoming him with bouquets.

Mamkootathil refused to answer any questions from the media on the charges or his disappearance. “The case is before the court. The court will decide. The truth will prevail,” he said through his car window, reiterating that he has no intention of fleeing and will remain in Palakkad. “I have nothing more to say,” was his response to a series of questions from the media.