Facing Criticism over his Rapist Remark Mulayam hits out at media

theindianrepublic.com, 12 April 2014 , New Delhi: Trouble seems to be heading for the Samajwadi Party Supremo and the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mulayam Singh Yadav, following his pro rapist comments. In a public address, Mulayam defended the rapists saying boys will be boys and he called for scrapping the death sentence for rape case accused, which indirectly points out to diluting anti-rape laws. Following his distasteful remarks, the National Commission for Women (NCW) sent him a notice for his sexist comments.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, who faced severe criticism from the political community, on Friday, blamed the media for distorting his statement and painting him as “anti-women”. It appears as though he is desperately attempting damage control. Mulayam Singh Yadav said that he wanted the strictest punishment for rapists but still stands that hanging should not be done as it leads to misuse of the law.

In a statement, he said, “Media tried to malign my image but I will not take back my words.” He added, “I want to tell that Samajwadi Party has always given respect to women and taken care of their pride.”

While Mulayam Singh Yadav’s statements have been severely criticised by the BJP leaders, Mulayam’s remarks have condemned by the Congress and the CPM as well. Mulayam had said that “boys make mistakes, why hang them” and he would “change” the new anti-rape law if he becomes PM.

Mamta Sharma, the chief of the NCW said that Mulayam must in the first place explain how could he make such outrageous remarks.

“How can he say that he will change the rape laws when he becomes the PM?” said Sharma. Mamata Sharma hit out at Mulayam saying that the law is changed by the public and not the Prime Minister alone.

Also lashing out at Mulayam Singh, the Uttar Pradesh BJP said that they would move to the Election Commission to stop Mulayam from contesting Lok Sabha elections. The Uttar Pradesh state president of the BJP, Laxmi-kant Bajpai, said that Mulayam has insulted women and his statement was creating a sense of insecurity among women.

Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed also criticised Mulayam calling his remarks unfortunat and unwarranted.

Politburo member Brinda Karat of the CPM said in a statement that opposition towards the death penalty for rape accused is one thing, but it is shocking and condemnable to trivialise rape as a small mistake.

Till date, the Samajwadi party leaders have remained silent over Mulayam’s disgusting remarks, while many others of the party have supported Mulayam Singh Yadav.