MJ Akbar resigns after #MeToo sexual harassment allegations

On Wednesday, October 17, Minister of States for External Affairs, M J Akbar has resigned after allegation of sexual harassment by 20 women on him after #MeToo movement started.

Minister said in a statement, “Since I have decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations against me, also in a personal capacity”.

First allegation on MJ Akbar was made by a journalist Priya Ramani. When she accused the minister of sexual harassment at that time he was in Nigeria for an official trip. Akbar has filed a lawsuit against Ramani two days ago.

After minister’s resignation Ramani wrote on twitter, “As women we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation. I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court”.

As women we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation.
I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court #metoo

— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 17, 2018

A senior journalist, Shuma Raha, who also accused Akbar of sexual harassment, told Al Jazeera, “Akbar’s resignation was overdue. After more than 20 women came forward with charges of sexual misconduct against him, his continuing as a union minister was untenable. So, yes, better late than never”.

Opposition parties attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break the silence on this matter and to take action against Minister MJ Akbar.

Congress leader Sushmita Dev told Al Jazeera, “With these serious allegations against him, the minister should have stepped down a long time ago. Credit definitely doesn’t go to the government for his resignation. What’s really disappointing is that the Prime Minister has not uttered a word on this. Till now he is silent”.