#MeToo: Union Minister Maneka Gandhi called for an investigation against MJ Akbar; says ‘Men in position of power often do this’

Reacting to the allegation of sexual harassment against union minister MJ Akbar, Maneka Gandhi, union minister for women and child development, called for a probe against him. In the wake up of the #MeToo movment, Akbar has been accused of sexual harassment.

Maneka is the first BJP leader who called for the probe in the case of sexual harassment against Akbar.

Talking to news channel India Today, she said “There should be an investigation. Men in position of power often do this. This applies to media, politics and seniors working in companies. Now that women have started speaking out, we should take it seriously”. She has given this statement when asked about allegations surfacing against a ‘big’ politician.

She further said “Women are scared of speaking out thinking people will make fun of them or question their character. Now that women are speaking up we should take action on each and every allegation”.

On the other hand, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj refused to comment on this when she was asked by a Tribune reporter that “There are serious allegations...these are sexual harassment allegations. You are a woman minister in charge. Will there be a probe on the allegations”.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra was also asked at a regular briefing on the sexual harassment allegation against Akbar but he also refused to comment.

However, The Congress targeted PM Modi and asked him to speak up on the issue. Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said “It is an extremely serious matter and the minister concerned needs to speak up. Silence cannot be a way out. This matter should be investigated. We would like to hear from both the minister in question and the Prime Minister on this issue”.

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