M.J. Akbar is once again actively participating in the Indian government's activities. Reports indicate his inclusion in an all-party delegation tasked with promoting India's international interests and exposing Pakistan's role in terrorism, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New Delhi: After a period of distancing himself from public life, senior journalist and former Union Minister M.J. Akbar has returned to the national stage. Akbar, who resigned from the Union Cabinet in 2018 amidst the #MeToo controversy, is now part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new strategic team. He has been included in a special international delegation formed to advocate for India's position against Pakistan.
This delegation will visit key countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Denmark. Its objective is to clarify India's anti-terrorism policy to the global community and expose Pakistan's support for terrorism.
M.J. Akbar's Return in India's 'Diplomatic Strike'
The central government has formed a high-level delegation of seven parliamentarians as part of a strategy to increase diplomatic pressure. Akbar's appointment carries significant weight. Led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, the delegation also includes Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD(U)), Kanimozhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), and Baijayant Panda (BJP).
M.J. Akbar's extensive international understanding, decades of experience in journalism, and previous service in the Ministry of External Affairs can significantly strengthen this mission.
Return After #MeToo: Battle for Image and Legal Recourse
During the #MeToo movement in 2018, several female journalists accused M.J. Akbar of sexual harassment. This led to his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs. He filed a defamation suit against journalist Priya Ramani, which a Delhi court dismissed in 2021.
Akbar has appealed this decision in the Delhi High Court. This controversy severely impacted his public image, leading to his near political inactivity.
India's Diplomatic Counteroffensive After 'Operation Sindur'
Following the terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the martyrdom of soldiers, India launched 'Operation Sindur' targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK. Subsequently, India decided to send this multi-party delegation to globally expose Pakistan and clarify its stance.
The role of an experienced individual like M.J. Akbar in this mission is considered crucial, given his consistent vocal opposition to Pakistan's terrorist policies. In a previous statement, he said, "India must firmly assert its position against terrorism not only at the border but also on every international platform."
Journey from Journalism to Politics
M.J. Akbar began his journalism career in the 1970s with publications like 'Sunday' and 'Asia'. He established his identity as the founding editor of newspapers like 'The Telegraph' and 'Asian Age'. His books, including 'Nehru: The Making of India', 'Kashmir: Behind the Veil', and 'The Siege Within', showcase his expertise in political analysis and historical interpretation.
He entered Parliament in 1989, winning the Kishanganj (Bihar) seat as a Congress candidate. After losing the 1991 elections, he distanced himself from active politics. He rejoined politics in 2014 by joining the BJP, subsequently being nominated to the Rajya Sabha and appointed Minister of State for External Affairs in 2016.
Significance of the Return
M.J. Akbar's return signifies not just an individual's comeback but also a political approach that values experience and international diplomacy. Although controversies surrounding his past persist, the government has indicated that his experience is indispensable for the current mission's needs.
It will be interesting to observe how M.J. Akbar establishes himself in this new role and whether he can resume active participation in central politics, or if this role remains confined to a limited mission.
