New Delhi: The BJP on Wednesday criticised the Congress over its decision to appoint Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam to three key election-related committees in the state, calling the opposition party "anti-woman" in view of sexual harassment allegations against him by 11 female students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani accused the Congress of contradicting its stated commitment to women's dignity by giving Akoijam organisational responsibilities despite the allegations.
"The Congress party that chants 'ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon' and 'Smash the Patriarchy' has once again revealed its true approach, character and face when it comes to respecting women," Irani said in a post on X.
She alleged that the party had entrusted Akoijam with an important responsibility despite serious sexual harassment allegations made by 11 JNU students.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also described the Congress as an "anti-women party", calling its 'Smash the Patriarchy' slogan hollow. The BJP, in a post on its official X handle, accused the Congress of rewarding Akoijam with an important organisational position instead of demonstrating accountability.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also questioned the Congress's decision and sought explanations from Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, alleging that the party had appointed an MP facing serious allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment to key positions in its Manipur election committees.
The criticism followed the Congress's decision to constitute several committees for the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections. Congress leader Ibobi Singh was appointed chairperson of the Pradesh Election Committee, with Akoijam named as a member. Akoijam was also included in the Campaign Committee and appointed co-chairperson of the Manifesto Committee.
Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue court on Thursday disposed of Akoijam's anticipatory bail plea after Delhi Police informed it that his immediate arrest was not being contemplated.
In its fresh reply, police said that if any developments necessitated his arrest, he would be given seven days' notice.
Akoijam, a Congress MP and JNU professor, had approached the court seeking anticipatory bail in a sexual harassment case involving allegations by 11 women students. An FIR has been registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, and the matter is under investigation.
Akoijam had earlier termed his termination from JNU a "witch-hunt" and questioned the due process followed by the university.
(With agency inputs from ANI and PTI)