MJ Akbar: As seven women journalists leveled sexual harassment allegation against Union Minister, the government weighs its option

In the ongoing #MeToo movement, As many as seven women journalists leveled sexual harassment allegation against Union Minister M J Akbar, the government is reportedly weighing its option.

According to a report published on The Indian Express, there is an uneasiness and concerns among senior leaders over the allegation leveled against the former Editor who is now junior foreign minister in the Narendra Modi government.

“There is an uneasiness among senior leaders over the charges against the minister,” a source was quoted by The Indian Express. However, there is no formal talk over the issue in the cabinet meeting but “senior ministers informally talked about it and expressed their concern”.

The source also said that these allegations is embarrassing for the government as the government is pushing many issues on the basis of the women right – Ujjwala, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mudra, the triple talaq ordinance.

“The government’s commitment to gender equality is profound and that’s why these accusations are embarrassing,” the source said.

As it is believed that the government is weighing its options but the final decision will be taken after his return from his overseas visit later this week. Akbar is on a visit to Nigeria with a trade delegation.

The Congress party has already demanded his resignation but a senior BJP leader said “It is important to remember that all these allegations are from the days of Akbar’s journalistic career. Not one is related to his stint as Minister”.

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