Cong MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in sex abuse row on Manipur poll panels

NEW DELHI: Congress has named Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who is facing sexual harassment allegations, as co-chairperson of its manifesto committee and member of its campaign and state poll committees ahead of assembly polls in the state. Akoijam, who represents Inner Manipur in Lok Sabha, has been at the centre of a controversy following complaints by 11 women students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He has denied the allegations against him. Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said Wednesday that party president Mallikarjun Kharge had approved the appointment of additional office bearers for the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee and the constitution of election committee, campaign committee, manifesto committee, media and publicity committee and election management committee for the ensuing assembly polls in Manipur.

Akoijam figures in three committees - co-chairperson in manifesto committee and member in campaign and election committees of the state. After a May 18 complaint by 11 JNU students alleging sexual harassment and misconduct, a five-member committee recommended major disciplinary action. Akoijam was dismissed on Oct 9. The panel's report went to police on Oct 11, and Vasant Kunj police registered an FIR. Delhi high court stayed his dismissal on Nov 2 and listed his plea for hearing in Jan.