M.J Akbar resigns | Reactions: 'We feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation'

Mr. Akbar resigned from his post as Union Minister

M.J. Akbar. File

On Wednesday, Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by several women journalists.

The accusers came out with stories of his alleged harassment during his days as a journalist and editor. Here are the reactions on Twitter:

Journalist

Priya Ramani tweeted shortly after his resignation. Mr. Akbar had filed a

criminal defamation complaint against her.

“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”

 

Swati Maliwal , Chairperson, Delhi Council for Women, tweeted:

“Finally MJ Akbar has resigned. Shame on him for having delayed it for so long. The credit for the resignation goes not to the Centre or MJ Akbar but directly to the #MeToo campaign. Esp to those brave women who reported the assault & those women and men who stood by them.”

Mumbai Mirror editor Meenal Bhagal had also alleged assault by Mr. Akbar, tweeted:

“A very big thanks to everyone who backed each of us. #MJAkbar."

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted:

"The resignation of MoS External Affairs MJ Akbar after serious charges were levelled against him by senior women journalists who worked with him is a vindication of the power of truth even if it began with one brave person speaking up. I salute these women who stood their ground despite the brazen stance of the GoI, silence of the PM who speaks about women empowerment, the arrogant misuse of power by deploying a battery of lawyers against one woman and allowing the accused to continue in his role. The women of the country are saying the time for this is up&threat to silence voices can no longer be the norm or acceptable.”

Suparna Sharma , resident editor of The Asian Age newspaper which Mr. Akbar once edited, told PTI:

“It is a big moment for us. In a sense, I feel vindicated. Though the step should have been taken as soon as he landed in Delhi, but now, at least, there will not be a power imbalance and it will not be a fight between the government and Ramani."

Kavita Krishnan , Secretary, All India Progressive Women's Association, tweeted:

"So now, finally MJ Akbar had to resign thanks to the sheer numbers of women coming up to out him as a predator! Bravo women. You finally made it too costly for Modi to keep Akbar on as Minister."

Nirupama Menon Rao , former Indian Foreign Secretary, tweeted:

“So glad that Minister MJ Akbar has resigned his post. His continuation was untenable and indefensible. A big shoutout to all the brave women journalists who called him out for his alleged, sickening and exploitative behaviour towards them. #Metoo #LetTheWomenBeHeard"

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Dilip Pandey, told PTI: “Mere resignation by Akbar is not sufficient considering gravity of allegations against him. Criminal proceedings must be started against him. We salute the courage of the 20 brave women who boldly faced Akbar’s intimidation and forced him to resign as a minister of government of India. His resignation completely exposes the BJP that came to power with the slogan of ‘Chaal, Charita and Chehra’(behaviour, character and personality).”

Indira Jaisingh , lawyer and activist, tweeted:

“To all the women who stood testimony to the gross violations of human rights by MJ Akbar, to all the women Ministers who stood their ground and demanded his resignation, in the face of opposition from their Cabinet colleagues, I salute you.”