MAYA BLASTS BJP OVER AKBAR

SAYS BJP leaders are acting as mute spectators, but people will not forgive them

Demanding action against Union minister MJ Akbar, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday said around one dozen working women have charged him of sexual exploitation, misconduct and harassment but, “instead of coming clean over the accusation, the minister is trying to give it a political colour.”

LUCKNOW: Demanding action against Union minister MJ Akbar, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday said around one dozen working women have charged him of sexual exploitation, misconduct and harassment but, “instead of coming clean over the accusation, the minister is trying to give it a political colour.”

Supporting the #MeToo Movement, Mayawati said it has provided a platform and courage to the working women in various fields to raise their voice against sexual exploitation and misconduct. The BJP leaders are acting as mute spectators to this serious issue, but the people will not forgive them for this, she said.

Condemning the BJP, she said the MJ Akbar episode has exposed the insensitivity of the party leadership as well as the central government towards the dignity of women. “It also shows the anti-women ‘chaal’ (activity), charitra (character) and chehra (face) of the BJP,” she said.

Mayawati said the issue of women security and self-respect is being raised in society, yet social evils like sexual exploitation and harassment of women at various places are being reported.

“Legal action has been taken in these cases, as well. The #MeToo Movement has been launched on social media by educated, working women against sexual exploitation and harassment. The women have accused MJ Akbar of sexual exploitation. The stubborn attitude of the central government and its anti-women stance has shocked the people,” she added.

“Now a question is being raised over the tall claims made by the BJP leadership on Indian culture and civilization. To serve their vested political interests, the BJP and RSS will continue to humiliate women and play with their security as well,” the BSP chief said.

She said under the BJP government, crime control, law and order as well as women security has deteriorated.

“For electoral and political gains, the BJP is turning insensitive towards the voice of the victims that has been shared on social media. The people will not forget not forgive the BJP for its misdeeds. They will teach a lesson to it in the coming assembly as well as Lok Sabha elections,” she said.

In the film industry, sports and media action had been taken against the accused in cases of sexual exploitation and harassment of working women. There is national outrage over the issue as people across the country have condemned the exploitation of women. The inaction against the union minister shows the arrogance and stubborn attitude of the BJP government, she added.