Caught in the #MeToo storm, M J Akbar resigns from his cabinet post

New Delhi, October 17: With #MeToo movement gaining momentum as women are coming out and speaking about their ordeals, the movement has shaken the entire country. Mobashar Jawed Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs, has resigned from the central cabinet just ten days after the sexual harassment allegations were levelled against him by journalist Priya Ramani.

 

M J Akbar was accused of harassment and predatory behaviour by his former colleagues when he was the editor of The Asian Age. M.J. Akbar is the most high profile name in the long list of names that have been accused of sexual harassment since the time Indian women came out in public with their stories that many are calling India's #MeeToo moment.

 

Read the full text by M.J.Akbar:

"Since I have 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 allegations levied against me, also in a personal capacity."

"I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of Minister of State for External Affairs. I am deeply grateful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to External Affairs minister Smt Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country."

On Monday, M J Akbar sued Priya Ramani, the first woman to name him, and accused her of vested interests in maligning his reputation on the basis of "wholly and completely false, frivolous, and unjustifiable and scandalous grounds." Just two days ago, M.J. Akbar had sued one of his 20 accusers for defamation, alleging a conspiracy to harm his goodwill and reputation.