Congress 'goons' abused women agitating against MP accused of harassment at JNU: BJP

The BJP has accused the Congress of double standards on women's safety, alleging that women protesting against its MP Bimol Akoijam were assaulted outside the party headquarters in Delhi. The protest comes days after JNU dismissed Akoijam over sexual harassment complaints filed by 11 female students.BJP workers protest against MP Bimol Akoijam, who was sacked as professor from JNU over sexual harassment charges. (Screengrab)New Delhi,Oct 12, 2026 19:24 ISTThe BJP on Monday accused Congress workers of abusing and assaulting women protesters outside the party's headquarters in New Delhi, where the BJP Mahila Morcha staged a demonstration demanding the expulsion of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over sexual harassment charges.The protest, called the 'Nari Shakti Hunkar Andolan', was organised after Akoijam, the Congress MP from Inner Manipur, was dismissed from his post as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following an inquiry into sexual harassment complaints. He has denied the allegations.The BJP alleged that women who had gathered to demand action against the MP were subjected to abuse and violence when they reached the Congress headquarters. The visuals from the spot showed two sides shouting and shoving each other."Eleven female students of JNU have accused Congress MP Bimol Akoijam of sexual harassment. JNU sacked him, and the police filed an FIR. What did the women get when they reached the Congress headquarters seeking justice? Abuse, assault, and violence! Is this Congress's respect for women?" the BJP said in a post on X. BJP leader Tarun Chugh also accused the Congress of hypocrisy, alleging that women protesting against Akoijam were beaten up by people sent by Rahul Gandhi and subjected to abusive remarks. The allegations of assault and the involvement of Congress workers were made by BJP leaders.Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi, who participated in the protest, targeted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over their alleged silence on the matter. "Today, on behalf of our women and the daughters of this country, we want to ask Priyanka Gandhi ji: What happened to your slogan, 'Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon (I am a girl, and I can fight)'? Has it become an empty slogan? Where has it gone?" Devi asked.She also questioned why the Congress had not taken action against Akoijam despite the university's inquiry and the police case."A Member of Parliament from your party has sexually harassed 11 girls. Even JNU has taken action against this accused MP and dismissed him. Despite all this, why are you still silent? When will you break your silence, Rahul Gandhi? When will you expel that MP? What action have you taken against him?" she said.Devi alleged that the Congress's inaction showed that "there is no place for women in your party". She also accused the opposition party of attempting to divert attention from the allegations against its MP by protesting against the chief election commissioner."The party should first ensure justice for the victims," she said.BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also questioned the Congress leadership's response to the allegations and called on Rahul Gandhi to take action against Akoijam."Is 'Smash the Patriarchy' merely political rhetoric or an election slogan for you? If not, then demonstrate this by taking action today against your MP, Bimol Akoijam," Swaraj said.WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AKOIJAM?Akoijam, who was a professor at JNU's Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences, was dismissed with immediate effect on October 9 following an inquiry into sexual harassment allegations.At least 11 female students had filed complaints against him in May this year. The complaints alleged that he invited students to his campus residence on the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in class.An FIR was registered against Akoijam at Delhi's Vasant Kunj North police station on October 11, based on a complaint lodged by JNU's chief security officer. The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to sexual harassment and acts intended to insult a woman's modesty.Akoijam has denied the allegations. Reacting to his dismissal, he termed the action a "witch hunt" and claimed that he had not been given an opportunity to respond to the committee's findings.- Ends