AAP lauds women behind Akbar’s resignation, seeks criminal proceedings against him

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s party - Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Wednesday hailed the women who stood up against sexual harassment and whose #MeToo action led to the resignation of Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar.

The AAP said Akbar’s resignation “completely exposed” the ‘Chaal, Charitra and Chehra’ of the ruling BJP at the Centre.

“We salute the courage of the 20 brave women who boldly faced Akbar’s intimidation and forced him to resign as a minister of government of India. His resignation completely exposes the BJP that came to power with the slogan of ‘Chaal, Charita and Chehra’ (behaviour, character and personality),” AAP spokesperson Dilip Pandey told PTI.

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Pandey said that the resignation was “not sufficient” and demanded criminal proceedings against Akbar.

“Mere resignation by Akbar is not sufficient considering gravity of allegations against him. Criminal proceedings must be started against him,” Pandey said.

Akbar stepped down as the Minister of State for External Affairs, amid allegations of sexual harassment during his days as editor of several publications, by several women journalists who issued a joint statement against him.

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“I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation...,” Akbar said.

As the #MeToo storm rages in India, about 20 women have spoken up on “sexual harassment” by Akbar.