Union minister MJ Akbar resigns over #MeToo allegations, says will seek justice

Minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar resigned on Wednesday after facing charges of sexual misconduct dating back to the years he was a journalist and newspaper editor. At least a dozen woman journalists have accused Akbar, of inappropriate behavior as part of the #MeToo campaign. “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 levelled against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of MoS for external affairs. I am deeply grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country,” Akbar said in a statement.