‘Deem it appropriate to step down’: Full text of MJ Akbar’s resignation

MJ Akbar’s resignation came a day before a Delhi court is to take up the defamation case filed by Akbar against one of the journalists who accused him.

Union minister MJ Akbar stepped down on Wednesday following a spate of allegations of sexual harassment against him by women journalists.

Union minister M J Akbar, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment by a number of women journalists, at his residence after his arrival from a foreign tour, in New Delhi on Sunday. (PTI Photo)

Akbar has filed a defamation suit against journalist Priya Ramani, who is one of the women who have accused him of a range of inappropriate behaviour during his career as a journalist before entering politics.

Ramani welcomed Akbar’s exit. “As women we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation. I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court #MeToo,” she said

Here’s the full text of his statement:

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 accusations 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 the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to the External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country.

(M.J. Akbar)