M J Akbar resigns as minister, thanks Narendra Modi and Sushma Swaraj

Hours after 19 women stepped up and offered to testify against him alongside first accuser Priya Ramani, MJ Akbar resigns

M J Akbar on Wednesday resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs amid criticism over sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by several women who worked with him over 20 years. "Since I've decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levelled 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 the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and to the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country," Akbar said in a statement issued after his resignation.

Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress members stage a protest against M J Akbar for his alleged sexual misconduct and harassment of journalists, in New Delhi. Pic/PTI

The latest development comes after 20 women, one after another, came forward and alleged Akbar of sexual harassing them in his journalistic days. The storm around the journalist-turned-politician gathered momentum after the #MeToo campaign broke in India.

The 67-year-old is facing flak over the allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women, with Opposition parties mounting an attack on the government and demanding his ouster.

On returning from an official visit to Nigeria on Sunday, Akbar refrained from speaking on the allegations and said, "There will be a statement later on." Later on Monday, he filed a defamation case against Priya Ramani — one of the first woman, to publicly accuse Akbar, her former boss, of sexual misconduct.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!