On Maha Ashtami, Devi Durga slays the demon: Reactions on MJ Akbar's resignation

MJ Akbar, a Minister of State for External Affairs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, on Wednesday relented to the pressure and resigned from the post after scores of women accused him of sexual harassment as part of the #MeToo movement. The news of Akbar’s resignation, after in initially refusing for it, brought relief to a section of women demanding the powerful minister to step down.

Reacting to the development, which looked highly unlikely after his previous statement and the move to file a defamation case against one of the accusers, while some called it a “vindication” of the allegations, others linked it to Maha Ashtami and said that goddess Durga has slayed the “demon”.

Below are the reactions of women on Akbar’s resignation:

Nirupama Menon Rao (Former Foreign Secretary): So glad that Minister MJ Akbar has resigned his post. His continuation was untenable and indefensible. A big shoutout to all the brave women journalists who called him out for his alleged, sickening and exploitative behaviour towards them.

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Priya Ramani (One of the accusers): As women, we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar's resignation. I look forward to the day when I also get justice in court.

Khushbu Sundar (Congress Spokesperson): On Maha Ashtami, Devi Durga slays the demon. MJ Akbar gone. She also demanded MJ Akbar give up his Rajya Sabha seat too.

Suparna Sharma (Accuser): Akbar should have resigned immediately after returning to India instead of issuing a statement. When he issued the statement, it seemed as if it was government versus Priya Ramani. Now that he has resigned, it is Akbar vs Priya Ramani.

Harinder Baweja (Journalist): When Beti Bachao turned on its head, it became, Mantri Bhagao, Vote Bachao (Sack the minister, save the votes)... we see through it, we see through it.

Rekha Sharma (NCW chief): It definitely took some time coming because some inquiry must be going on, but finally they took the decision and that is what matters. I welcome this decision as I was looking forward to it.