New Delhi: Union minister MJ Akbar, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment by a number of women journalists, returned to New Delhi on Sunday from a foreign tour.

Replying to a volley of questions from reporters at the airport, the Minister of State for External Affairs said he would issue a statement later.

"There will be a statement later," he said.

The #MeToo movement has taken over social media, bringing to fore sordid tales of sexual harassment by influential men in different walks of lives.

There was an indication by the BJP that it is likely to take a clear stand on allegations of sexual harassment against Akbar once he explains his position upon his return.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party has maintained a studied silence on the matter so far, party sources have said the charges against him are serious, and his continuance as a minister is no longer guaranteed.

A final call will be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sources said.

Akbar was the founding editor of The Telegraph, had launched The Asian Age and worked at a number of other media organisations, including India Today and The Sunday Guardian.

Several journalists have come forward with their accounts detailing allegedly improper conduct by Akbar. Priya Ramani, who was the HT Mint Lounge editor, was the first to name the minister on social media platform Twitter.

With agency inputs