Post-#MeToo charges, it’s #TimesUp for Akbar

Minister likely to be asked to step down Seven women journalists have alleged that MoS for external affairs sexually harassed them.

Minister of state for external affairs M.J. Akbar, who has been accused of sexual harassment by several women who had worked for him in the many publications he edited before he took to politics, is likely to be sacked from the Union Cabinet.

According to sources in the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may remove Mr Akbar from the Cabinet, or ask for his resignation after he

returns to Delhi from his Nigeria visit.

Seven women journalists have alleged that Mr Akbar sexually harassed them. Intelligence officials have started an enquiry into the allegations and should have a report ready by the time the minister

returns. The women journalists have alleged that Mr Akbar sexually harassed them after calling them up to his hotel room, and even in his own office. Some have given detailed accounts of the kinds of harassment they had to face and how they were marginalised if they put him off.

At least one of the journalists left the organisation because of the continued harassment.

A day after journalist Priya Ramani spoke out about the sexual harassment that Mr Akbar had subjected her to, other journalists also shared their stories.

Among the many voices demanding the resignation of Mr Akbar is that of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

He tweeted, "Horrible this bloody Perpetrator (M J Akbar) shame on you and you stood in Parliament during the Triple talaq bill & spoke about muslim women's empowerment & to stop their exploitation. PMO

India sack this minister of yours if you truly believe in Beti Bachao.'

Meanwhile, senior CPM leader Brinda Karat Wednesday said it was “shameful” that the law dealing with sexual harassment at workplaces was not being implemented in most of the organisations in the country.