BJP Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Silence on Congress MP Bimol Akoijam’s Dismissal from JNU

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, October 11, 2026, questioned Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over what it described as his silence on the dismissal of Congress MP Bimol Akoijam from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The university reportedly dismissed Akoijam following allegations of sexual harassment involving 11 students.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticised the Congress leadership and questioned its position on women's dignity and accountability. She also demanded Akoijam's suspension from the Congress.

The BJP's remarks have brought the university's reported action and the political response to the allegations into the national political debate.

BJP Accuses Congress Leadership of Double Standards

During the press conference, Bansuri Swaraj accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership of applying different standards when addressing issues concerning women's dignity.

Swaraj questioned whether the Congress's public messaging around challenging patriarchy was consistent with its response to the allegations involving Akoijam. She asked whether the slogan “smash the patriarchy” was merely political rhetoric for the party.

These statements represent the BJP's political criticism of the Congress. Rahul Gandhi's response to the specific allegations was not included in the supplied report.

BJP Demands Suspension of Bimol Akoijam

The BJP also called for Akoijam's suspension from the Congress, arguing that the party leadership should clarify its position following the reported university action.

The demand adds a political dimension to a case involving allegations of sexual harassment and an institutional employment decision. The Congress's formal response to the BJP's demand was not provided in the supplied report.

The distinction between the university's reported decision, the underlying allegations and the parties' political statements is important. Allegations of sexual harassment should not be presented as proven findings unless supported by confirmed institutional or legal conclusions.

JNU Dismissal and Sexual Harassment Allegations

The controversy centres on the reported dismissal of Congress MP Bimol Akoijam from Jawaharlal Nehru University following allegations involving 11 students.

The supplied report refers to the university's decision and the allegations but does not provide the complete dismissal order, the findings of any inquiry or details about the status of any related legal proceedings.

Those details would be necessary to explain the institutional basis for the dismissal and establish whether the allegations were substantiated through a formal process.

Rahul Gandhi Also Criticised Over Tamil Language Remarks

The BJP also criticised Akoijam over his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched a “full-scale attack” on Tamil language and culture.

The criticism brought another political issue into the press conference, alongside the allegations concerning JNU. However, the supplied report does not provide the complete context of Akoijam's remarks about Tamil language and culture or the evidence cited in support of his claim.

The two issues should therefore be treated separately: one concerns the university's reported action following allegations of sexual harassment, while the other concerns a political disagreement over language and cultural policy.

Political Accountability and Women's Dignity

The controversy highlights how allegations involving public representatives can become part of wider debates about political accountability, institutional action and party discipline.

Political parties may face questions about how they respond when their members are subject to serious allegations or institutional proceedings. At the same time, reporting on such cases requires a clear distinction between allegations, verified findings and political accusations made by opposing parties.

In this case, the BJP has publicly questioned the Congress leadership and called for disciplinary action against Akoijam. Further information from the Congress, JNU or relevant official records would help clarify the institutional and political developments.

What Happens Next?

The key outstanding questions include the full basis for JNU's reported dismissal, the status of the allegations involving the 11 students and whether the Congress leadership will issue a formal response to the BJP's demand.

The supplied report does not establish whether the Congress has suspended Akoijam or whether any further institutional or legal proceedings have concluded.

Any subsequent developments should be verified through official statements and reliable reporting before being incorporated into the article.

Source: The Indian Express
Byline: Express News Service
Published: October 12, 2026, at 5:55 AM IST
Location: New Delhi