The Coordinating Body of Trade Union, Manipur, has condemned what it described as attempts to tarnish the image of Lok Sabha MP Bimol Akoijam through sexual harassment allegations, accusing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting the controversy for political purposes.
Addressing a press conference at Irawat Bhavan, chairman Laishram Sotinkumar said the allegations against Bimol, who has raised issues concerning Manipur in Parliament, were a matter of serious concern. He alleged that the controversy was being used to discredit the MP and undermine his voice in Parliament.
Sotinkumar said the organisation would convene a public meeting demanding a fair investigation and appropriate legal action to establish the facts. He asserted that the trade union body would oppose any attempt to implicate the MP through what it described as false accusations.
He also criticised the BJP-led government over the state of the country’s education system and referred to demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Sotinkumar further alleged that unfair electoral practices and the distribution of money to influence voters were undermining the democratic process.
The trade union leader also expressed concern over what he described as attempts by the BJP and some opposition parties to obstruct movements demanding accountability and justice.
Reaffirming the organisation’s support for Bimol, Sotinkumar said it would stand with movements opposing any alleged attempt to silence the MP or undermine the concerns of the people of Manipur.