The sexual harassment case involving minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar is fast beginning to embarrass Narendra Modi led BJP government. So far 11 former journalists have alleged Mr Akbar of sexually harassing them in the past. There has been growing pressure on government to sack him. But it seems neither Mr Akbar is ready to resign nor union government will sack him. Instead of resigning, he has brazened it out by dismissing the allegations and terming it as politically motivated.
Further he has filed defamation suit against journalist Priya Ramani, who had first named him. Ms Ramani said “truth and the absolute truth are my only defence” and asserted that she is ready to fight the case. This whole case portrays present regime in poor light. PM Modi often talks about Beti Bachao Beti Padhao but is reluctant to take action against a man who has been accused of sexual harassment by large number of women. The backing of Mr Akbar will potentially backfire against BJP in the long run. In the morale and perception battle, they are losing grounds. Also it is utterly wrong on the part of MJ Akbar to term allegation against him as politically motivated. Instead of indulging in such victim shaming, he should resign on morale ground and face investigation. If he comes out clean, he can rejoin the government. Still PM Modi can salvage the situation by asking Mr Akbar to resign. Whole nation will be carefully watching the next move of the government and Mr Akbar.