The Congress’s decision to include Inner Manipur MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in three key committees for the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections has triggered a fresh political controversy, with senior BJP leaders questioning the party’s commitment to women’s dignity and gender equality in view of sexual harassment allegations against the MP involving 11 female students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani launched a sharp attack on the Congress leadership, questioning why an MP facing serious allegations from women students had been entrusted with important responsibilities in the party’s election machinery.
In a statement posted on social media, Irani pointed to the Congress’s slogans, including ‘Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon’ and ‘Smash the Patriarchy’, and accused the party of adopting double standards on women’s rights and dignity. She questioned Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over the appointment, alleging that the party’s stated commitment to women’s empowerment was being contradicted by its actions.
Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor also criticised the decision, describing it as evidence of what he called the Congress’s anti-women approach. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari similarly attacked the Congress leadership, questioning Rahul Gandhi’s position on accountability in cases involving allegations against women.
The controversy follows the AICC’s November 11 announcement constituting five election-related committees for Manipur, in which Dr. Bimol Akoijam was named a member of the Pradesh Election Committee and Campaign Committee and co-chairperson of the Manifesto Committee.
The allegations against Akoijam stem from complaints reportedly lodged by 11 female students at JNU in May 2026, where he served as a professor. Following an internal inquiry, the university dismissed him from service on October 9. An FIR was subsequently registered by Delhi Police on October 11 in connection with the allegations.
Akoijam has rejected the allegations and questioned the procedure followed by the university, describing the action against him as a politically motivated witch-hunt. He has also challenged the allegations and sought to contest the findings of the university’s internal inquiry.
In connection with the police case, he approached a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail. The matter was disposed of after Delhi Police informed the court that there were no immediate plans to arrest him and that a seven-day notice would be served if an arrest decision was taken. The police investigation remains a separate process from the university’s disciplinary proceedings.
Responding to the BJP’s criticism, Congress leader Udit Raj reportedly maintained that the allegations should not be treated as established guilt and argued that the appointments were organisational responsibilities rather than government positions. He also questioned the BJP’s own record on issues concerning women.
The political fallout comes at a time when the Congress is seeking to strengthen its position ahead of the Manipur Assembly elections, expected in February-March 2027. The inclusion of Akoijam in three strategically important committees has now opened another front of political confrontation, placing the party’s electoral preparations under scrutiny even before the formal campaign begins.