MJ Akbar, during his journalism days (Photo by Bt Manoj/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)Surrounded by allegations of sexual harassment, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has reportedly sent his resignation to the Prime Minister’s Office via an email. In the history of Indian politics, he will be the first one to step down from office because of accusations built on social media. In normal circumstances, a person is asked to resign only if he/she is convicted by a court of any wrongdoing.
First Post has reported that 14 women have accused Akbar of sexual harassment, some instances of which are a decade or two old. As of this moment, no FIR has been filed against Akbar by any of the victims. The minister returned to India on Sunday morning after his visit to Africa.
Sources earlier said that he will be personally addressing the allegations against him later in the day, and will call for a press conference to clarify and present his views on the accusations made against him, Economic Times has reported.
Akbar was an outspoken critic of Modi before he joined the BJP as a spokesperson and then got into the upper house of the Parliament. The very social media that got the BJP into office seems to be now troubling it in return. The PMO is, however, yet to confirm the resignation.
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