New Delhi, October 24: Punjab's former deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a sharp attack on the Amarinder Singh-led government in the state, accusing it of shielding a Cabinet Minister accused of harassing a women IAS officer.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, Badal said the Chief Minister is "covering up" the misdeeds of one his Cabinet colleagues. Issuing an appeal to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Badal said the case should be treated by him at par with that of MJ Akbar -- the Union MoS in External Affairs who was forced to step down after being accused sexual harassment under the #MeToo campaign. MJ Akbar Resigns as MoS For External Affairs Amid #MeToo Allegations.

The Congress and Rahul Gandhi demanded M.J. Akbar's resignation from the Union cabinet following allegations of sexual harassment when he was the Editor...But the Congress chief has been actively sheltering someone for similar transgressions," said Badal, the ee facto chief of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The Aam Aadmi Party also called for action against the accused Cabinet Minister, whose identity is yet to be reported. AAP women wing president Raj Lali Gill issued a statement today asking the Chief Minister to take immediate action in the case.

According to reports, the accused Minister has already been asked to apologise by Amarinder Singh. Satisfied with the stern approach adopted by the CM, the IAS has decided not to register an FIR, a leading English daily said, citing sources.

The complainant had reportedly sent a complaint to the Chief Minister after she received a "late-night inappropriate" message from the accused. Speculations are rife that Amarinder could sack him from the Cabinet after he returns from the bilateral visit to Israel.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2018 10:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).