Congress expels ex-Assam youth chief days after she alleged harassment
What's the story
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Saturday expelled Angkita Dutta, former president of the Youth Congress in Assam, for a period of six years owing to "anti-party activities." The move comes days after Dutta accused Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President Srinivas BV of "harassment" and "sexism." In a statement, the Congress said Dutta was removed from its primary membership "with immediate effect."
Context
Why does this story matter?
Notably, on Tuesday, Dutta accused Srinivas and IYC secretary in-charge Vardhan Yadav of mentally harassing her and discriminating on the basis of gender for six months. She further alleged that despite complaining to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, no action was taken against the accused. Responding to the allegations, Srinivas sent a criminal defamation notice to Dutta, threatening legal action and seeking a public apology.
Twitter Post
Check out AICC's statement on Dutta's expulsion
This is Congress’s model of women empowerment! Sack the woman who alleged harassment instead of providing a platform to hear her grievances. The manner in which Angkita Dutta has been removed from the Congress is uninspiring for women.
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 22, 2023
लड़की हूँ, लड़ सकती हूँ is a hollow slogan. pic.twitter.com/KrtId3TmaO
IYC's statement
Dutta in constant contact with Assam CM: IYC
On Wednesday, the IYC also issued a press statement that said, "Dutta resorted to using utterly unparliamentary, undignified, defamatory, malicious words against Srinivas," adding that her allegations were "politically motivated." The party's youth wing also accused her of being in constant contact with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. It claimed she was creating an environment to switch parties.