Break silence over MJ Akbar, Congress tells Modi

"It is a question of women's dignity, security and safety. It was expected that the Minister concerned would give an immediate explanation," Congress leader Anand Sharma said. 

"But it was equally the duty of the Prime Minister, Constitutional duty and moral duty, to speak. Why the Prime Minister has chosen to be silent is the fundamental question. Tell the country what your views are," Sharma told reporters here.     

Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar earlier on Sunday returned from an official tour abroad and said he would issue a statement over the allegations.

Many female journalists have accused Akbar of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour at various stages of his journalistic career.