Mayawati supports MeToo Movement, demands action against MJ Akbar | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Mayawati supports MeToo Movement, demands action against MJ Akbar

Hindustan Times, Lucknow | ByHT Correspondent
Oct 15, 2018 06:13 PM IST

The #MeToo Movement has provided a platform and courage to the working women in various fields to raise their voice against sexual exploitation and misconduct but the BJP are acting as mute spectators to it, Mayawati said.

Demanding action against Union minister MJ Akbar, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday said around a dozen women have charged him with sexual exploitation, misconduct and harassment but, “instead of coming clean over the accusation, the minister is trying to give it a political colour”.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Monday demanded action against Union minister MJ Akbar, who is accused by various women of sexually harassing them in his media career (File photo)(PTI)
Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Monday demanded action against Union minister MJ Akbar, who is accused by various women of sexually harassing them in his media career (File photo)(PTI)

Supporting the #MeToo Movement, she said it has provided a platform and courage to the working women in various fields to raise their voice against sexual exploitation and misconduct. “The BJP leaders are acting as mute spectators to this serious issue, but the people will not forgive them for this,” she added.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Mayawati said the Akbar episode has exposed the insensitivity of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership as well as the central government towards the dignity of women. “It also shows the anti-women ‘chaal’ (activity), charitra (character) and chehra (face) of the BJP,” she said.

She said the issue of women security and self-respect is being raised in society, yet evils like sexual exploitation and harassment of women at various places are being reported.

“Legal action has been taken in these cases as well. The # MeToo Movement has been launched on social media by educated, working women against sexual exploitation and harassment. These women have accused MJ Akbar of sexual exploitation. The stubborn attitude of the central government and its anti-women stance has shocked the people,” she said.

“Now a question is being raised over the tall claims made by the BJP leadership on Indian culture and civilization. To serve their vested political interests, the BJP and RSS will continue to humiliate women and play with their security as well,” the BSP chief said, alleging that under the BJP government, law and order as well as security of women has deteriorated.

“For electoral and political gains, the BJP is turning insensitive towards the voice of the victims that has been shared on social media. The people will not forget not forgive the BJP for its misdeeds. They will teach a lesson to it in the coming assembly as well as the Lok Sabha elections,” she said.

Noting that in the film industry, sports and media, action had been taken against the accused in cases of sexual exploitation and harassment of women, Mayawati said that there is “national outrage over the issue as people across the country have condemned the exploitation of women” but the inaction in the Akbar case “shows the arrogance and stubborn attitude of the BJP government”.

Akbar, who returned from a foreign tour Sunday morning, released a statement latter denying the charges levied against him as “false and fabricated”. He has filed a defamation suit against one of the woman journalists who made the allegations.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on Election 2024, India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On