‘What if accusation is about something from 5th standard’, is Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan's argument against #MeToo

Just hours after MJ Akbar stepped down as MoS, External Affairs, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan has issued a shocking statement denigrating the #MeToo campaign. The MoS, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Shipping, Radhakrishnan said on Wednesday that ‘Me Too’ campaign is the ‘result of the activities of people with perverted minds’ and that it’s ‘corrupting the honour of our women’.

While speaking to reporters about his take on the #MeToo movement, Pon Radhakrishnan said, “This is the result of the activities of some people with perverted minds. This corrupts the purity of our land. This issue corrupts the honour of our women. This is not a good thing.”

Questioning the credibility of the movement, the MoS said, “You and I work with women. What if someone makes an accusation against you, alleging that something happened when you were playing together while in the fifth standard? Will you accept it? How is it justice?”

READ | MJ Akbar Resigns As MoS, MEA After Being Asked To Quit By The Government. Read His Resignation Letter Here

The minister while, further, claiming that he wasn't aware of MJ Akbar's resignation, said that the movement can’t be justified as it can be insulting for people.

“If men start something similar, how insulting will it be? They can make such allegations against any woman. This cannot be accepted,” said Radhakrishnan.

MJ Akbar resigned from his post as MoS, MEA on Wednesday over allegations of sexual harassment against him. As per initial information, MJ Akbar was asked to quit by the Government amid massive pressure by women journalists for his ouster.

"Since I have decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity. I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of Minister of State for External Affairs,"wrote MJ Akbar in his resignation letter.

READ | A Day After Denying Allegations Of Harassment Against Him, MoS MJ Akbar Files Defamation Case Against Journalist Priya Ramani

This came after 20 women journalists came forward in support of journalist Priya Ramani, who has been sued by MoS External Affairs MJ Akbar. Issuing a statement, the journalists said that Ramani is not alone in her fight and that they are ready to testify against MJ Akbar.

Minister and former journalist MJ Akbar filed a criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani on October 15.A Delhi court will examine MJ Akbar and other witnesses on 
October 31.