BJP opts to be a bystander in minister MJ Akbar's case

In its first official reaction on sexual harassment allegations against Union minister MJ Akbar, the BJP chose to remain a bystander, maintaining that the minister has given his version and it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him.

"It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He (MJ Akbar) has presented his version," said BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, when asked about Akbar's statement in which he rejected all charges as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" and "politically motivated."

BJP's "indifferent" stand came even as five of the 14 women journalists decided not to cower down and fight the minister despite Akbar threatening to take "appropriate legal action" against them.

While most of the BJP leaders and ministers have maintained a studied silence on the issue, women union ministers Maneka Gandhi and Smriti Irani have come out in support of the #MeToo movement