Mulayam creates controversy again, says gangrape is ‘impractical’

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh on Tuesday made yet another controversial remark on the issue of rape incidents taking place in the country, saying that while one person commits rape, four are named in the complaint even though rape by four persons is not ‘practically’ possible.

Speaking at a program to distribute free e-rickshaws under a state government scheme in the state capital, he said, “The population (of Uttar Pradesh) is 21 crore while that of Madhya Pradesh is 6 crore. There (in MP), the percentage of rape cases is 9.8 while in UP, it is 2. Moreover, in Rajasthan – also ruled by BJP – this percentage is 7. Don’t even ask about Delhi, I live there and know what happens. So, if there is one place with the lowest number of rapes, it is Uttar Pradesh.”

“One commits rape and then four more are named. Kabhi aisa ho sakta hai kya? Aisa practical hi nahin hai. (Can such a thing happen? It is impractical),” said the Samajwadi Party supremo.

“Some are bent to give (UP) negative publicity. Remember, you tell a lie a hundred times and it becomes the truth. There are powers spreading canards about you. What happened in Badaun case? All the big leaders of the country went there. ‘Chalo Badaun’ was the refrain then. Finally what happened? CBI said there was no rape,” he added.

Earlier, Mulayam had made controversial remarks referring to rape, saying that boys commit mistakes and they should not be hanged for it.

Speaking at a public meeeting in Moradabad in April, Yadav had said, “Boys make mistakes. They should not hang for this. We will revoke the anti- rape laws.”