‘Is Bimol still with Congress?’: BJP questions AICC silence on allegations

The BJP’s Manipur unit has questioned the All India Congress Committee (AICC) over its silence on sexual harassment allegations against Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, asking whether he continues to be a member of the party or has been expelled.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP Manipur Pradesh headquarters, party general secretary Ch Chidananda said the allegations, which reportedly emerged at a reputed Indian university, were sensitive and had drawn national attention. He described the Congress leadership’s lack of a public response as unfortunate.

“We want to know the stand of AICC on the sexual allegations case against its MP Bimol. They shouldn’t remain silent,” Chidananda said.

He said Akoijam represents Manipur in Parliament and argued that the allegations had raised questions about the state’s dignity and representation. He also questioned how the MP could continue his parliamentary responsibilities while the matter remained under scrutiny.

Referring to the timeline of the case, Chidananda said a complaint had allegedly been received in May and questioned why around 116 days had passed before the matter reached its present stage. He also asked whether the Congress leadership had been informed about the complaint and whether it had taken any action.

Chidananda further speculated about the possible political implications of the case, questioning whether the issue was linked to internal plans to project Akoijam as the Congress’s chief ministerial candidate in Manipur. He did not provide evidence to substantiate the speculation.

The BJP leader said the party was raising the questions as part of its role in a parliamentary democracy and urged the Congress, as a national party, to clarify its position.

He also called on Akoijam to present his defence before the appropriate legal authority and respond clearly to the allegations.

The allegations and the BJP’s claims about the timeline and the Congress leadership’s response have not been independently verified in the information provided. The allegations should not be treated as established findings.