Launching a scathing attack on the Congress leadership, Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha President Dr. Aishwarya Biswal questioned the silence of Rahul Gandhi and senior party leaders over the serious sexual harassment allegations against Manipur MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, Dr Biswal asserted that the Congress party’s claims regarding women’s empowerment are merely superficial, while its leaders continuously display anti-women behaviour both inside and outside Parliament.
“Guru-Shishya Tradition Tainted by Sexual Harassment Allegations”
Dr Biswal pointed out that JNU’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) recommended action following allegations of sexual harassment made by 11 female students against Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
“In Indian culture, a teacher is accorded the stature of God. Misbehaving with students who should be treated like daughters is utterly condemnable. Professor Akoijam’s actions have tarnished the sacred Guru-Shishya tradition and polluted our educational ecosystem,” said Dr. Biswal.
She demanded that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress central leadership, along with the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), clarify their stance on this sensitive matter instead of maintaining total silence.
“Rahul Gandhi’s Actions Contradict His Words”
Criticising Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Dr Biswal accused him of disrespecting parliamentary norms, culture, and women in public life:
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Disrespect to Institutions: She highlighted past incidents, including the tearing of an official government ordinance during the UPA tenure, winking in Parliament, and making inappropriate gestures like giving a “flying kiss” on the House floor.
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Misconduct with Women Officials: She referenced recent viral video clips showing Gandhi allegedly pushing and making uncalled-for physical contact with female police officers during protests.
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Insulting the President: Dr Biswal recalled derogatory remarks used by Congress leaders against President Smt. Droupadi Murmu—the pride of Odisha and India’s first tribal woman President—calling it a reflection of the party’s true mindset.
BJP’s Commitment to Women Empowerment
Comparing the governance models of both parties, Dr Biswal noted that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam providing 33% reservation to women in Parliament and Assemblies, Congress actively opposed it. She further cited the Karnataka Congress government’s cabinet formation, where women were severely underrepresented.
Dr Biswal reaffirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently respected women by ensuring 33% internal reservation and taking a strong stand against injustice across the nation.
