Calls for resignation of Manipur MP Dr Bimol Akoijam if found guilty in sexual harassment investigation

Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev on Monday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address allegations of sexual harassment within his own party before speaking about patriarchy and women’s rights.

Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks at a public gathering, where he reportedly addressed women and called for them to “smash the patriarchy” amid DJ music, Dev said the Congress leader should first address the issues within his own party.

“Now that his own house is on fire, he should smash the patriarchy inside his party first. Do it and then talk to us,” Dev said.

She further demanded that Rahul Gandhi announce the resignation of Manipur MP Dr Bimol Akoijam at his next press conference, subject to the outcome of an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.

“Mr Rahul Gandhi ji, if he has any conscience and if he is worth his mettle, then the first announcement in his press meet should be that they are taking the resignation of Dr Bimol Akoijam, Manipur MP, for the investigation that finds him guilty in sexual harassment,” Dev said.

Dev’s remarks put the spotlight on the Congress leadership’s response to allegations of sexual harassment and its stated position on women’s rights. Her demand for action against the MP comes with the condition that the investigation establish his guilt.

The allegations and the status of the investigation could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.