The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that Congress workers verbally abused and assaulted women protesting outside the party’s headquarters in New Delhi on Monday. This demonstration was organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha, demanding the expulsion of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam due to sexual harassment allegations against him. The protest was named the ‘Nari Shakti Hunkar Andolan’.

Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, the Congress representative from Inner Manipur, was dismissed from his position as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following an inquiry into sexual harassment claims. Akoijam has denied all allegations, asserting that the claims against him are unfounded.

Reports indicate that tensions escalated as the women arrived at the Congress headquarters to voice their demands. According to BJP sources, those gathered were subjected to aggression and derogatory comments, which were captured in various visual recordings from the scene of the protest.

Allegations Against Akoijam and Official Response

According to BJP officials, eleven female students from JNU have accused MP Bimol Akoijam of sexual harassment. His dismissal from the university occurred on October 9, following an inquiry into the complaints filed in May. The allegations suggest that he had summoned students to his residence under false pretences.

Then, he reportedly attempted to engage in inappropriate conduct. Some students also reported experiencing inappropriate remarks during lectures. An FIR was filed against Akoijam at the Vasant Kunj North police station in New Delhi on October 11. This legal action arose from a complaint made by the chief security officer of JNU.

The case has been lodged under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning sexual harassment and actions that might insult a woman’s modesty. Akoijam has described the consequences of the inquiry as a “witch hunt,” contending that he was not granted an opportunity to defend himself against the findings of the committee.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, who participated in the protest, targeted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for their purported inaction. She questioned the effectiveness of Priyanka Gandhi’s previous slogan advocating women’s empowerment, querying why action had not been taken against the accused MP despite the university’s decision.

BJP Leaders Demand Accountability

The BJP’s call for accountability was echoed by its leaders, who condemned the Congress party for what they perceive as a lack of respect for women’s issues. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj expressed her disappointment regarding the Congress leadership’s response to the serious allegations directed at Akoijam. She urged Rahul Gandhi to demonstrate a genuine commitment to combating patriarchy by taking immediate action against the accused MP.

Furthermore, Annpurna Devi highlighted the contradiction in the Congress party’s position, suggesting that the inaction reflected a disregard for women’s rights within the organisation. She indicated that the protest against the chief election commissioner by Congress was an attempt to deflect attention from the urgent demands for justice from the victims of Akoijam’s alleged actions.

In summary, the BJP is pressing the Congress party for swift measures regarding the allegations against MP Akoijam, while the atmosphere surrounding the protest reflects a broader discourse concerning women’s rights and safety in India. The situation continues to evolve as various factions respond to the ongoing developments.

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