In remarks that sparked outrage on Thursday, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav opposed capital punishment for rape, saying “ladke, ladke hain… galti ho jati hai (boys will be boys… they commit mistakes).”

Addressing a rally in Moradabad, he said, “Ladkiyan pehle dosti karti hain. Ladke-ladki mein matbhed ho jata hai. Matbhed hone key baad usey rape ka naam dey deti hain. Ladko sey galti ho jati hai. Kya rape case mein phasi di jayegi? (First girls develop friendship with boys. They when differences occur, they level rape charges. Boys commit mistakes. Will they be hanged for rape).”

Mulayam said his government would try to change such anti-rape laws. “Those who level false allegations will also be punished… In Mumbai also, the rape accused have been sentenced to be hanged,” he said, referring to the Shakti Mills case.

Earlier too, Mulayam had criticised the amended anti-rape laws. In its poll manifesto also, the SP has promised to check the misuse of stringent measures in the anti-rape law. The manifesto mentions that SP MPs had voiced their concern about their possible misuse.

Mulayam said it would be unfortunate if Modi becomes PM as he could not protect women during the 2002 riots.

Mulayam triggered yet another controversy with his rape remarks.

Waiting when Mulayam’s rape remarks will be endorsed by Azam’s secular buffaloes, then it shall be a law in his territory. — Ashutosh (@ashutosh083B) April 10, 2014

They defend rapists. Mamata di says ‘sometimes boys become naughty.’ Mulayam ji says ‘sometimes boys make mistakes’. — taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) April 10, 2014

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