BJP questions silence of AICC on case

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 16: The BJP, Manipur, has questioned the silence of AICC leaders over the alleged sexual harassment row involving Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
Addressing the media at Thambal Shanglen today, BJP, Manipur vice president Ch Chidananda claimed that Dr Bimol was dismissed from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after being found guilty of the charges levelled against him by the university authorities.
He asserted that the issue is not confined to Manipur alone.
Saying that Delhi police have also taken statement of the MP regarding the case, Chidananda asked why AICC leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi are still remaining silent when the party MP had been dismissed from a top university in a sexual harassment case.
He accused the Congress party of playing politics over the issue and attempting to escalate the controversy.
While some sections of society support Bimol and deny the charges against him, others demand action against him, and this reflects the beauty of democracy, he said.
The BJP is in power at the Centre and in the State, while the Congress occupies the Opposition benches, he said, adding that the ruling party and the Opposition are integral to Parliamentary democracy.
The complaint against the Congress MP was lodged in May this year and the enquiry was supposed to be completed within 90 days, he said and questioned why the Congress party had not approached a Court or taken other legal steps before the JNU Internal Committee submitted its findings.
He reiterated that Dr Bimol was dismissed from JNU on October 9.
He said there must be a reason why the Congress party had not taken any steps to establish the stand of the MP during the enquiry period.
Chidananda also expressed suspicion that the Congress party might be attempting to exploit the emotions of the people of Manipur for political gain.
He added that Dr Bimol should pursue legal action if he is innocent.
The press briefing was also attended by BJP, Manipur vice president Minabanta and other party leaders.