As Union Minister Smriti Irani supported women who spoke against sexual harassment by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs M J Akbar on Thursday, the Opposition escalated its demand for his resignation. Akbar is currently on a visit to Nigeria and will return on Sunday.

Irani said, “the gentleman concerned is in a better position to speak on this issue. I appreciate that the media is accosting his female colleagues but I think it is for the gentleman concerned to issue a statement. But I have said that the women who are speaking out should in no way be shamed, victimised or mocked. That is my appeal to anyone who is witnessing this surge of anger and emotions on the internet.”

While Congress president Rahul Gandhi said it’s a “serious issue”, the CPI(M) demanded his resignation. The CPI(M) politburo in its statement, described the detailed accounts of him sexually assaulting women colleagues as “unacceptable behaviour”.

“Seven women journalists have come forward recounting their experiences of sexual harassment and unacceptable behaviour from M J Akbar when he was the Editor of various newspapers. Since these are serious charges, MJ Akbar’s continuance as a (MoS) in the Central Government is untenable. He should immediately resign from office,” said the CPI(M) politburo.

Barring Irani and the Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, no senior BJP leader or Union Minister has commented on the issue.

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