M J Akbar on Wednesday resigned as the Minister of State for External Affairs amid criticism over sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by several women who worked with him over 20 years. "Since I've 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 levelled against me, also in a personal capacity.

"I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of MoS for External Affairs. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and to the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country," Akbar said in a statement issued after his resignation.