Smriti Irani questions Congress’s decision to include the Inner Manipur MP in three election committees amid sexual harassment allegations against him
New Delhi: The BJP has criticised the Congress over its decision to appoint Inner Manipur MP A Bimol Akoijam to three key election-related committees, citing sexual harassment allegations against him.
BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani accused the Congress of contradicting its stated commitment to women’s rights and gender equality by assigning Akoijam important organisational responsibilities ahead of the Manipur Assembly elections.
In a post on X, Irani questioned the party’s association with the MP, referring to its slogans such as ‘Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon’ and ‘Smash the Patriarchy’. She also claimed that 11 female students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) had raised sexual harassment allegations against him.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also attacked the Congress, alleging that its actions exposed a contradiction between its public messaging and organisational decisions.
The Congress announced its election committees on November 11 as part of preparations for the upcoming Assembly polls, including Akoijam in three panels.
Akoijam was recently terminated by JNU following the allegations. He has termed the university’s action a “witch-hunt” and questioned whether proper procedures were followed.
Also Read: NEIPDA Calls Statewide Shutdown: Petrol Pumps Across Assam Remain Closed
