New Delhi: The #MeToo storm which started with big names of showbiz being accused of sexual harassment, is also taking known personalities from other industries. National political party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been no exception with veteran journalist and Union Minister M J Akbar.
M J Akbar was accused by several women journalists of sexual harassment when he was the Editor of various publications. The sexual harassment is said to have happened decades ago about which the minister has restrained his reaction.
However, BJP National President Amit Shah has responded to the issue.
Amit Shah said, “M J Akbar is accused in ‘n’ number of cases and all of them would will be probed. Another angle to these allegations could be that it is an attempt to malign the BJP’s stand on women empowerment and related programmes and schemes. Some of the forces are trying to damage the party’s image, for votes in the upcoming five-state elections.”
Speaking to one of the Indian English dailies, Amit Shah had said that, the party would definitely look into the matter and have a thorough probe. He said, “It is important to check the authenticity of the posts that were made and know whether they are real or not.
Allegations
He also added that the allegations made were unverifiable and that it had led to a discussion within the party.
According to the reports, M J Akbar’s position is shaky.
Several women ministers of the BJP have refused to comment on the row. Union Minister for Child and Women Development Menaka Gandhi too has refused to comment stating that it was M J Akbar who had to clarify.
M J Akbar, who is said to be on an overseas tour will be returning to India on Sunday.
With enough on his plate to handle already, Akbar has yet again been accused of inappropriate behaviour by another woman.
US journalist joins #MeToo campaign against Akbar
A US-based journalist Majlis de Puy Kamp has alleged that M J Akbar had forcibly kissed her when she was on her last day of internship. She said that she was 18 when this incident occurred.
In an online post, Kamp has said that it was the most disgusting moment. Akbar had crossed his limits, betrayed her trust and also that of her parents.
Recalling the instances she had faced during her internship under M J Akbar, she said that she had shaken hands with Akbar as he had come across her table. After having a handshake, M J Akbar is said to have pulled her closer and held her by her arms. He kissed her and had also forced his tongue into her mouth. She said that she had stood still due to shock.
Kamp is said to be the eighth woman journalist in the list of those who have accused M J Akbar of sexual harassment.
Now the opposition is on its feet demanding his resignation.
