Chennai, Oct 12 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nainar Nagenthran has announced demonstrations at all district headquarters on Monday, accusing the Congress of remaining silent over sexual harassment complaints against its Inner Manipur MP, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
In a statement, Nagenthran said the protests would be led by the respective district leaders. Participants would carry banners condemning the Congress over its handling of the issue and accusing the party of failing to uphold women’s rights.
Nagenthran targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his opposition to patriarchy when, he alleged, the party had failed to respond to serious complaints involving one of its own parliamentarians.
He described the Congress leadership’s alleged silence as inconsistent with its public stand on women’s dignity.
The controversy concerns complaints made by 11 women students against Akoijam, who was a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. The university dismissed him from service following an inquiry by its Internal Committee into the sexual harassment allegations.
Nagenthran referred to the university’s disciplinary action in his statement and said the committee had recommended stringent punishment.
He argued that the developments required a response from the Congress leadership and criticised the party for what he characterised as its failure to address the matter.
The planned demonstrations will bring the BJP’s criticism of the Congress to district headquarters across Tamil Nadu.
Nagenthran’s statement focused on the complaints against Akoijam, the university’s action and the political responsibility he said the Congress leadership should bear. Akoijam, however, has challenged the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.
Speaking at a press conference in Imphal, he described the action as a “witch hunt” and alleged that the university had violated procedures governing the handling of sexual harassment complaints.
He said he had not received the Internal Committee’s recommendations or the official dismissal order and had learnt about the action through the media. He also said he would challenge the decision through legal channels, raising objections about confidentiality and the opportunity to appeal.
The BJP’s announcement comes amid wider criticism from party leaders over the Congress leadership’s response to the case.
Nagenthran’s statement outlined the day’s district-level protest programme, while Akoijam’s objections underline that he disputes the university’s handling of the proceedings against him and intends to contest its decision.
–IANS
aal/dpb
