Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The BJP slammed the Congress party for its decision to appoint Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam to three key election committees on November 11. The panels will steer the party's strategy for the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections. The BJP branded the move proof that the Congress is an anti-women outfit.
BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani attacked the decision, pointing to sexual harassment claims brought by 11 female students at Jawaharlal Nehru University against Akoijam. The university recently terminated Akoijam following these allegations. He disputes the claims, calling his firing a witch-hunt while challenging the school's investigative process.
Irani mocked the Congress for its past rhetoric regarding gender equality. She wrote on X: "The Congress party that chants 'ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon' and 'Smash the Patriarchy' has once again revealed its true approach, character and face when it comes to respecting women."
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari joined the criticism, calling the party's slogans hollow. He accused Rahul Gandhi of promoting men facing serious criminal accusations. The BJP argued that instead of demanding accountability, the Congress handed Akoijam high-level organizational power. The party questioned the silence of Rahul Gandhi on the matter, suggesting the appointment turns the concept of women's dignity into a mere election stunt.
Updated at 12th November 2026 at 6:15pm
The controversy stems from sexual harassment complaints lodged against Akoijam in May 2026. Following his October 9 dismissal from JNU, Delhi Police registered an FIR on October 11. Akoijam subsequently sought anticipatory bail in a Delhi court. The matter closed after police confirmed they had no immediate plans to arrest him, noting they would provide a seven-day notice before any potential detention.
Congress leader Udit Raj defended the party, arguing the allegations do not equal guilt and that the appointments are purely organizational rather than government-based. He also countered the BJP, challenging the party to look at its own record concerning women.
Under the AICC order, Akoijam serves on the Pradesh Election Committee and the Campaign Committee, and acts as co-chairperson of the Manifesto Committee. The campaign panel falls under the leadership of Th. Lokeshwar Singh, while the manifesto team includes Alfred Kanngam Arthur and Dr. Thokchom Meinya as fellow co-chairs. These committees are part of a larger party effort to gear up for the assembly elections expected in early 2027.
Comments