NEW DELHI: The BJP has intensified its offensive against the Congress over sexual harassment allegations against Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, the Congress MP representing Inner Manipur, with a delegation of 15 women parliamentarians meeting President Droupadi Murmu and seeking his removal from the Lok Sabha.
Led by BJP Mahila Morcha president Roop Kumari Choudhary, the delegation included senior party leaders D. Purandeswari and Bansuri Swaraj. The MPs urged the President to intervene in the matter and ensure protection for the female students who have filed complaints against Akoijam, a former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) Centre for the Study of Social Systems.
The meeting marks a fresh escalation in the BJP’s campaign against the Congress, with the party accusing its leadership of failing to take a firm stand on the allegations against its MP.
“The students are scared because Dr Bimol is an influential personality and he enjoys full support of the Congress,” Choudhary said, adding that the delegation had appealed to the President to seek his removal from Parliament and ensure the complainants received adequate protection.
According to Choudhary, President Murmu assured the delegation that the matter would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
JNU dismissal intensifies political storm
The controversy intensified after JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit dismissed Akoijam from his faculty position following an internal inquiry into complaints filed by 11 female students. The university said the internal committee had established the allegations against him, according to the information provided.
The delegation’s meeting with the President followed protests by BJP Mahila Morcha workers across the country, demanding action against Akoijam. Protesters also burnt effigies of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Congress leadership of maintaining silence over the issue.
Delhi Police Registers FIR
Separately, Delhi Police registered a First Information Report following a complaint by JNU’s chief security officer. The case was registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police have said the investigation is underway.
