NEW DELHI: Some of the women journalists who had spoken out against Union minister M J Akbar for alleged sexual misconduct welcomed his resignation Wednesday, saying they felt "vindicated", but noted that they had a long
battle
ahead for justice. Akbar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, stepped down Wednesday, following a spate of allegations of sexual harassment during his days as editor of several publications.
Priya Ramani, the journalist against whom Akbar has filed a defamation case, said she looked forward to the day when she would also get justice in court.
"As women, we feel vindicated by Akbar's resignation. I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court," she said.
Suparna Sharma, who also came out against Akbar, said she welcomed his resignation.
"It is a big moment for us. In a sense, I feel vindicated. Though the step should have been taken as soon as he landed in Delhi, but now, at least, there will not be a power imbalance and it will not be a fight between the government and Ramani," the resident editor of
The Asian Age
newspaper told .
Meenal
Baghel, who came out in support of Ramani, said Akbar's decision to quit was long overdue, while author
Kiran Manral said they still had a long road ahead for justice.
"It was the right thing to do and we welcome it. it was long overdue," Baghel, editor of Mumbai Mirror, said in response to a question.
"A very big thanks to everyone who backed each of us," she said in a tweet.
Journalists from multiple media platforms have come forward claiming harassment by Akbar under the "#MeToo" social media campaign against sexual misconduct.
Akbar was in Africa when the allegations surfaced against him.