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JNU sexual harassment: BJP women MPs to meet Om Birla seeking action against Cong MP

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Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times

October 17, 2026
JNU sexual harassment: BJP women MPs to meet Om Birla seeking action against Cong MP

The ABVP and BJP Mahila Morcha have launched a coordinated campaign against Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following his dismissal from JNU over sexual harassment allegations. The protests and official complaints to the NCW highlight rising political pressure regarding the grievances of 11 students.

Political Firestorm Erupts Over JNU Professor's Dismissal

The recent dismissal of Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University's Centre for the Study of Social Systems, has triggered a significant political confrontation. Following an internal inquiry, JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit signed the dismissal order, citing sexual harassment allegations filed by 11 students. This development has transformed an academic disciplinary issue into a high-stakes political battleground involving student organizations and national political parties.

ABVP Mobilizes Against Congress Leadership

On October 14, 2026, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a vocal protest at the main gate of JNU. The primary focus of their agitation was not only the conduct of Mr. Akoijam but also the perceived silence of the Congress party. By framing the issue as a failure of political accountability, the ABVP is seeking to leverage the controversy to challenge the moral standing of the opposition, specifically questioning why the party has not publicly addressed the serious nature of the allegations leveled by the students.

Escalation to the National Commission for Women

Parallel to the student-led protests, the BJP Mahila Morcha has escalated the matter to the national level. A delegation led by BJP national vice-president Daggubati Purandeswari and Mahila Morcha national president Roop Kumari Chaudhary formally approached NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar. By submitting a memorandum, the Mahila Morcha is pushing for institutional intervention, ensuring that the internal university findings are translated into broader legal or administrative scrutiny.

The Intersection of Academia and Politics

This incident highlights the volatile intersection of campus politics and national parliamentary affairs. Because Mr. Akoijam holds the position of a Congress MP, his academic dismissal carries implications that extend far beyond the university administration. The fact that 11 female students have come forward with complaints suggests a systematic pattern that both the university and political observers are now forced to reckon with.

Legal and Institutional Ramifications

With the Delhi Police now summoning the former professor, the case has moved from an internal university matter to a formal police investigation. The reliance on the findings of JNU’s internal inquiry provides a foundation for these legal steps. The university's decision to dismiss the professor underscores a rigid adherence to institutional protocols regarding sexual misconduct, which now serves as the primary evidence in the ongoing public discourse.

Future Trends and Political Fallout

Looking ahead, this case will likely remain a focal point for political debate. The demand for accountability from the Congress party is expected to persist as long as the legal proceedings continue. As the NCW reviews the memorandum and the police investigation unfolds, the standard for how political figures are held accountable for past professional misconduct will be tested, potentially setting a precedent for future interactions between academic institutions, law enforcement, and political representatives.