The BJP’s women’s wing staged protests across Gujarat on Monday, demanding disciplinary action by the Congress against Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over sexual harassment allegations involving female students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
The demonstrations, organised by the Gujarat BJP Mahila Morcha, were held across districts and major cities, with women party workers, office-bearers, legislators and local leaders participating in sit-ins and protests.
The protesters raised slogans against the Congress and its senior leadership, accusing the party of remaining silent on the allegations. They demanded strict action against Akoijam, including his immediate expulsion from the Congress, according to BJP leaders.
The party alleged that the Congress was adopting double standards on women’s safety and dignity, arguing that its public statements on women’s rights were inconsistent with its response to allegations against one of its MPs.
“Women’s safety should not be confined to political speeches and election campaigns,” BJP leaders said.
Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha, previously served as a professor at JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems.
The university dismissed him with immediate effect on October 9 following an inquiry by its internal committee into sexual harassment complaints. Reports said 11 women students had filed complaints against him. The committee’s findings reportedly referred to alleged inappropriate personal interactions, sexually suggestive conduct and unwelcome physical contact.
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Akoijam on October 11 at Vasant Kunj North police station following a complaint by JNU’s chief security officer. The complaint included documents relating to the university’s internal inquiry and sought police action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning sexual harassment and acts intended to insult a woman’s modesty.
The police investigation is under way. Akoijam has denied the allegations, described his dismissal as a “witch hunt” and questioned the university’s handling of the inquiry. He has said he intends to challenge the decision through legal channels.
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