Bansuri Swaraj Slams Congress Over Akoijam Harassment Allegations
Bansuri Swaraj demands accountability from Congress over sexual harassment allegations against MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
In a scathing attack on the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bansuri Swaraj has demanded immediate accountability from the opposition leadership regarding serious sexual harassment allegations involving Congress Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Swaraj described the nature of the allegations as "bone-chilling" and accused the Congress of hypocrisy regarding women's safety.
Demands for Accountability
Swaraj specifically targeted the top brass of the Congress party, challenging Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to address the controversy. She questioned whether the party's frequent slogans regarding women's empowerment and rights are merely rhetorical, given the gravity of the situation involving one of their own MPs.
The controversy stems from the dismissal of Akoijam from his position at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The university's Vice-Chancellor, Santishree D Pandit, signed the termination order following a recommendation from JNU’s Internal Committee (IC) for "major punishment" under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules.
The Nature of the Allegations
The inquiry, which was triggered by complaints from 11 female students, detailed a pattern of highly inappropriate behavior. According to the investigation, the allegations against Akoijam include:
- Conducting vivas late at night.
- Making sexually suggestive remarks during academic classes and examinations.
- Engaging in unwelcome physical contact.
- Asking sexually inappropriate questions during student assessments.
Akoijam Deflects Claims
Following his dismissal on October 10, Akoijam has denied the findings, labeling the university's actions as a "witch hunt." He has alleged that the proceedings violated the statutory confidentiality requirements mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Akoijam further claimed he was not provided with the inquiry findings prior to his termination and has stated his intention to pursue legal and political recourse.
Mounting Political Pressure
The BJP has intensified its pressure on the Congress to distance itself from the MP. BJP leader Harsh Malhotra has questioned why Akoijam maintains his association with the party despite the findings. The pressure is also mounting from Manipur, where Home Minister Govindas Konthouham and state BJP president A Sharda Devi have formally demanded his resignation from the Lok Sabha.