The BJP Manipur Pradesh today staged a protest rally in Imphal demanding the resignation of Inner Manipur MP Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following his dismissal from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) over allegations of sexual harassment. The protest, led by Rajya Sabha MP and BJP Manipur Pradesh president A. Sarda Devi, sought to turn the controversy into a question of political and moral accountability for the Lok Sabha member.
The rally began at Thambal Sanglen, the BJP state headquarters at Nityapat Chuthek, and proceeded towards BT Road, with party members carrying banners demanding Akoijam’s resignation from Parliament.
The BJP’s street protest was reinforced by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who publicly called on the MP to relinquish his Lok Sabha membership, arguing that the controversy had damaged the dignity of Parliament and the image of Manipur.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister described Akoijam’s dismissal as “deeply disturbing and shameful”, citing the university’s official order stating that its Internal Committee had examined the sexual harassment allegations and recommended major punishment. He said the university had dismissed the professor following due process.
Khemchand argued that a person occupying a high legislative office must be held to standards of conduct befitting the position. As an elected representative, Akoijam was expected to uphold public trust, he said, adding that the allegations and subsequent dismissal had raised serious questions about his moral authority to continue as a parliamentarian.
“The sanctity of Parliament must be upheld,” the Chief Minister stated, insisting that the dignity of the legislature was essential to maintaining public confidence in elected representatives. He urged Akoijam to resign from the Lok Sabha immediately, citing what he described as the sentiments of the people.
