#MeToo: M J Akbar resigns

NEW DELHI: Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar stepped down Wednesday in the face of mounting pressure following a spate of allegations of sexual harassment against him by several women journalists, who welcomed his resignation as a "vindication".

The 67-year-old journalist-turned-politician's sudden announcement to quit came a day ahead of hearing of a criminal defamation complaint filed by him against Priya Ramani, a journalist who has accused him of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago.

In a brief statement, Akbar said he has decided to seek justice in a court of law in his personal capacity.
"I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of MoS for external affairs. I am deeply grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country," Akbar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Akbar's resignation after which it was sent to President Ram Nath Kovind. Later, the president also accepted his resignation from the council of ministers.

According to sources, there was a view in the government that the minister should fight the case in his personal capacity and not as a Union minister.

Over the past 10 days, at least 20 women have have come forward to narrate their experiences of alleged sexual harassment at the hands of Akbar during his days as editor of several mainstream publications. Following these allegations, opposition parties as well as many media organisations have been demanding his resignation.

His resignation was immediately welcomed by many complainants as also political parties.