Smriti Irani questions Rahul Gandhi’s silence after JNU sacks professor and Congress MP over sexual harassment allegations

BJP National General Secretary Smriti Z Irani. File. | Photo credit: PTI

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (October 9, 2026) accused Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of being “silent” on the removal of Congress MP and JNU Angomcha professor Bimol Akoijam over sexual harassment allegations.

At a press conference, BJP national secretary Smriti Irani sought answers from the Congress leadership for not taking any action despite the allegations against its MP being “substantiated” during an investigation into complaints filed by female students.

“The former Congress president repeatedly talks about ‘shattering the patriarchy’. Has he taken any action against his MP since this matter came to light? Reports today indicate that an internal grievance committee has conducted an investigation into the matter, which has confirmed the allegations leveled against Congress MP Bimol Akoijama,” she said.

Ms Irani questioned why Mr Gandhi had still not taken any political action against his MP despite the committee’s findings. She said “the answer was evident from the video of his recent altercation with a policewoman in Delhi”.

Published – 10 Oct 2026 03:50 IST